(a)      (1)      With approval of the Board, the Secretary shall appoint an Executive Director of the Board.

            (2)      The Executive Director:

                  (i)      is responsible to and serves at the pleasure of the Secretary; and

                  (ii)      is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.

      (b)      The Executive Director shall perform the duties that the Secretary assigns, including:

            (1)      operating the office of the Board; and

            (2)      keeping the official records of the Board.

      (c)      (1)      With approval of the Secretary, the Executive Director may employ professional consultants.

            (2)      Each professional consultant serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director.