COEUR d’ALENE — The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has declined to renew Coeur d’Alene Casino CEO Dave Matheson’s contract this week and will begin a search for a new CEO, preferably from within the organization.

“His contract came up and the council decided not to renew it,” said Helo Hancock, legislative director for the Tribe. “Normally we don't like to comment on personnel issues, but the council simply wanted to go in a different direction.”

Hancock said the Tribe is moving forward with a selection process to replace Matheson as CEO.

As the Tribe begins the process of determining who the next leader of the casino will be, the council has asked the Tribe’s administrative director, Robert Matt, to be the acting CEO in the interim. The council plans to promote from within the organization, and expects the CEO selection process to take no longer than 90 days.

“The Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council is very thankful to Dave Matheson for his many years of service and dedication to the growth and economic advancement of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe,” said Tribal Chairman Chief J. Allan in a prepared statement. “Dave has been a big part of the development and success of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel and the Council has nothing but respect and appreciation for his efforts. We wish Dave the very best of luck in his future endeavors.”