(a)      (1)      The Secretary shall appoint, with the approval of the Governor, a deputy secretary who shall have duties as are provided by law or delegated by the Secretary.

            (2)      The deputy secretary shall serve at the pleasure of the Secretary and shall receive such compensation as is provided in the State budget.

      (b)      (1)      The Secretary shall also have attached to his office such assistants, professional consultants and employees as are provided for in the State budget.

            (2)      He may establish areas of responsibility within his office and designate assistants to be in charge of such areas.

            (3)      All staff assistants in the Secretary's office in charge of particular areas of responsibility, and all professional consultants shall serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.

            (4)      Except as otherwise provided by law, all other employees of the Secretary's office shall be appointed and removed by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article that govern skilled service or professional service employees with the exception of special appointments.

      (c)      (1)      Subject to the provisions of Title 1 of this article, the appointment or removal of personnel by an administration, board, commissions, division, or other agency within the jurisdiction of the Department shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary.

            (2)      The Secretary may delegate this power of approval to the heads or governing bodies of the boards, commissions, divisions or other agencies within the jurisdiction of the Department.