COEUR d'ALENE - Panhandle Area Council Executive Director Greg Cook has decided against renewing his consultation contract with the agency.

"Due to a range of personal and professional considerations, I notified the Board of Directors (Monday) that I have elected to terminate my existing contract with the Panhandle Area Council," he wrote in a letter to his employees Tuesday.

"In accordance with the terms of our agreement, I will continue to support the organization's activities as Executive Director until June 13 unless other agreements or arrangements are concluded before that date."

Cook said he has been a contract employee with PAC since he started with organization in May of 2013. He was hired to reorganize the agency after longtime Executive Director Jim Deffenbaugh retired last year.

The PAC Board of Directors has accepted the resignation, said PAC's Kerri Thoreson, vice chairwoman.

"We sincerely appreciate the contributions Greg made to the organization this past year," Thoreson said. "His professional expertise has primed PAC to move forward in providing economic development opportunities throughout North Idaho. We wish him all the best."

Cook told The Press on Tuesday that he feels he has accomplished his mission at PAC and it is time for him to "move on to my next adventure."

He said the board will decide on the replacement process at its next regular meeting on May 22.

"This is a most important meeting regarding the future direction of PAC, and all members are encouraged to participate and provide their input," Cook said in his letter.

At that same meeting Cook said he will give an annual report detailing the organization's activities during his tenure as executive director as well.

In the meantime, Cook said his primary focus will be to effect an orderly transition of responsibilities and duties on behalf of the organization.

After that, the organizational consultant plans to "continue a life of public service in other roles and missions."

"I look forward to engaging with many of you as we continue to work on behalf of the people, communities and businesses in the region we all call home." he wrote. "It has been an honor and privilege to serve and represent the members of the Council for the last year, and I truly appreciate both the opportunity to do so and the trust granted in me to fulfill this position of great responsibility."