David LaSarte-Meeks, CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel for the past five years, is out of a job.

The Press confirmed Wednesday that the Coeur d'Alene Tribal Council recently declined to renew LaSarte-Meeks' contract.

In a response to an inquiry from The Press about the situation, the tribe issued a prepared statement from Chairman Chief J. Allan on Wednesday night.

"Throughout his tenure as CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Casino, David LaSarte-Meeks provided outstanding vision and leadership, including the completion of a major expansion during one of the most difficult economic times in our country's history," Allan said. "The Coeur d'Alene Tribe appreciates his dedication and accomplishments. It was the Tribal Council's position that Dave had achieved the goals that were set and it was time to move in a different direction."

Scott Kramer, the casino's current CFO, is serving as interim CEO until a replacement is named.

Tribe spokesman Helo Hancock said he couldn't comment on whether LaSarte-Meeks was given a severance package. He said he does not know when a replacement is expected to be named.

Citing the situation as a personnel matter, the Tribe declined further comment.

LaSarte-Meeks was hired in 2006 to replace David Matheson, who was fired.

In 2004, LaSarte-Meeks served as a transitional director for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's housing program before joining the law firm of Kanji & Katzen, PLLC, in Seattle. He worked on a number of cases involving Indian treaty rights and Indian gaming issues.

He previously served as the executive director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association from 1999 to 2003.

The casino employs about 1,150 people and recently underwent a $75 million expansion that created 98 hotel rooms and suites in two wings, a centerpiece pub with two natural amphitheaters, a 15,000-square-foot spa and a steakhouse.