(1) The executive director of the commission must serve as its chief executive officer. Subject to available resources and in accordance with commission direction, the executive director must:

     (a) Administer the provisions of this chapter, employ such personnel as may be necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter, utilize staff of existing operating agencies to the fullest extent possible, and employ outside consulting and service agencies when appropriate;

     (b) Appoint necessary staff who are exempt from the provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW. The executive director's appointees serve at the executive director's pleasure on such terms and conditions as the executive director determines but subject to chapter 42.52 RCW.

     The executive director shall, subject to the availability of funds for this purpose, implement a hiring process for a research manager responsible for managing the data collection, database, and evaluation functions under RCW 43.162.020 and 43.162.025. By October 1, 2011, the executive director must make a recommendation to the commission on a qualified candidate to fill the research manager position. The commission is responsible for making the final decision on hiring the research manager;

     (c) Appoint employees who are subject to the provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW; and

     (d) Contract with additional persons who have specific technical expertise if needed to carry out a specific, time-limited project.

     (2) The executive director must exercise additional authority, other than rule making, as may be delegated by the commission.

     (3) The executive director must develop for commission review and approval an annual commission budget and work plan in accordance with the omnibus appropriations bill approved by the legislature, and must present a fiscal report to the commission quarterly for its review and comment.

     (4) The executive director of the commission must report solely to the governor and the commissioners on matters pertaining to commission operations.

[2011 c 311 § 4; 2007 c 232 § 3.]