WinterKids, the Portland-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and families stay active and healthy in the winter, announced the retirement of founding Executive Director Carla Marcus, and the appointment of Frances Mullin to the top post.

Marcus has led WinterKids since its inception in 1997, growing it from a one-program, ski-oriented organization to an educational and community-directed institution whose programs now enjoy a national reach and serve nearly 30,000 children and their families in Maine alone.

Mullin comes to WinterKids after successfully leading the Children’s Center in Augusta.

“While Carla’s departure marks the end of an era for WinterKids, Fran’s arrival heralds the beginning of a new one,” said William Hall, president and chairman of WinterKids’ board of directors.

WinterKids initially managed solely the Fifth Grade Passport program in conjunction with just a few ski areas. Today, 11 years later, the WinterKids Passport program has expanded to include opportunities at 53 Maine recreational facilities for fifth-, sixth- and seventh-grade pupils.

The facilities include Maine Highlands Sled Dog Club in Corinth, Millinocket Sledding Hill, Sawyer Ice Arena in Bangor, Sukee Arena and Events Center in Winslow, Millinocket Public Skating Rink, Baker Mountain in Bingham, Eaton Mountain in Skowhegan and Mt. Jefferson in Lee.

The nonprofit organization continues its dedication to helping children develop lifelong habits of health, education and physical fitness, and now also operates seven major community and in-school programs.

“Winter is Maine’s best and longest season and our children deserve to enjoy it,” said Marcus. “Each year, WinterKids helps more and more kids get off the couch and out into the snow, and I am honored to have been part of the organization since its beginning.”

“WinterKids’ growth under Carla’s leadership has been phenomenal,” said Hall. “She has taken the organization from a seed, an idea, and developed it into a vital, far-reaching group that benefits the health and happiness of thousands of children and their families. Now, we’re lucky to have Fran Mullin stepping in as director, a leader who is wonderfully qualified to continue the organization’s growth and effectiveness.”

Mullin brings to WinterKids a distinguished record of leadership. At the Children’s Center in Augusta, she supervised therapy, education and family support programs for children in nine counties. During her tenure, she markedly increased the center’s private fundraising, and worked effectively with the community, businesses and government to enhance children’s services.

“WinterKids teaches kids that playing outdoors in the snow is exciting and cool,” said Mullin, who has served on the boards of directors of the Maine School Health Education Coalition and the Maine Public Health Association, and volunteers with Saddleback Ski Patrol and Maine Handicapped Skiing. “I welcome the chance to help families resist the societal forces that are keeping kids inside and inactive. I’ve been impressed with WinterKids for years, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Mullin arrives at WinterKids enthusiastic about its innovative educational programs, including:

. WinterKids National Outdoor Learning Curriculum teachers’ guide.

. WinterKidsActive Academic Workshops for educators.

. WinterKids World Class Athlete Tour, bringing accomplished athletes into schools.

. WinterKids SnowSchool, field trips to cross country and downhill ski areas to demonstrate real-world math and science applications.

. WinterKids Live!, Interactive musical performances that playfully demonstrate winter safety and proper dress.

. Welcome to Winter, year-long programs and one-day festivals that help immigrant, refugee and low-income populations live and thrive in winter climates.

. WinterKids Passport Program, which offers a season of free and discounted cross country and downhill skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, tubing, tobogganing and dog sledding for all Maine fifth-, sixth- and seventh-graders at 53 Maine recreational facilities.

“We have every confidence that Fran Mullin will draw from the solid foundation of programs and service that Carla Marcus has created and will dynamically expand WinterKids’ ability to positively influence the health and well-being of our children,” said Bill Hall. “It is, of course, sad to have Carla leave us, but Fran’s arrival makes it a very exciting time, as well.”

For information on WinterKids and applying for its Passport program, visit the Web at http://winterkids.org