(a)      In accordance with the State budget, the Secretary may employ a staff attached to the office of the Secretary.

      (b)      The Secretary may designate a staff assistant to be in charge of a particular area of responsibility in the office of the Secretary.

      (c)      (1)      (i)      The Secretary shall appoint each staff assistant in the office of the Secretary in charge of a particular area of responsibility and each professional consultant.

                  (ii)      An employee specified in item (i) of this paragraph:

                        1.      is in the executive service or management service of, or is a special appointment under, the State Personnel Management System; and

                        2.      serves at the pleasure of the Secretary.

            (2)      Unless otherwise provided by law, the Secretary shall appoint and remove all other employees in the office of the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.