The Coeur d'Alene Tribe owns and operates the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in Worley, Idaho. Photo: CDACasinoResort

Public Relations

Coeur d'Alene Tribe in the market for a new casino executive

Thursday, October 3, 2019

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe is searching for a new leader for its gaming enterprise following the departure of a top executive.

Francis SiJohn resigned as chief executive officer of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel earlier this week for "personal reasons," The St. Maries Gazette Record reported. He had served in the role for a little over three years.

“I want to thank Francis for his time and efforts as CEO and wish him the very best in this next phase of his career. He has proven a leader and his contributions are much appreciated,” said Chairman Ernie Stensgar said, the paper reported.

Just last month, SiJohn was named a winner of SPOKANE Coeur d’ Alene Living magazine’s 2019 Power 50 Awards. He received the honor in recognition of his efforts to improve and expand the tribe's facility.

The facility itself was just named "Tribal Destination of the Year" by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. The tribe accepted the award during the 21st annual American Indian Tourism Conference in Oklahoma last month.

While the tribe searches for a permanent replacement for SiJohn, Laura Stensgar has been named as acting director of the casino, The St. Maries Gazette Record reported.