(1) The executive head and appointing authority of the department is the director. The director shall be appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. The governor shall solicit input from all parties involved in the private-public partnership concerning this appointment. The director shall be paid a salary to be fixed by the governor in accordance with RCW 43.03.040. If a vacancy occurs in the position of director while the senate is not in session, the governor shall make a temporary appointment until the next meeting of the senate when the governor's nomination for the office of director shall be presented.

     (2) The director may employ staff members, who shall be exempt from chapter 41.06 RCW, and any additional staff members as are necessary to administer this chapter. The director may delegate any power or duty vested in him or her by this chapter, including authority to make final decisions and enter final orders in hearings conducted under chapter 34.05 RCW.

[2006 c 265 § 104.]