Wilbur Huett was named to the post in 2003. He sued the organization after he was fired in April 2006. The case went to trial in federal court in Great Falls last week, but attorneys reached the settlement Sunday.

Lawyers on both sides declined to comment about the terms of the agreement, which were not made public. Huett's lawsuit accused the Montana Red Cross board of directors of breaking their own rules when they fired him. He said the board made the decision at a meeting where they didn't have a quorum, and then by followed improper procedure when they voted on the decision.

Court documents state that the Red Cross said it followed the rules and that Huett was fired for poor performance after repeated warnings.

Huett's lawsuit sought compensation for lost wages and mental anguish, and asked for punitive damages against the defendants.