(a) There is hereby created, within the West Virginia Development Office, a West Virginia academy of science and technology. The academy consists of a standing council of nine members and such ad hoc working groups as may be necessary to review a particular field of study. A working group may include both members of the council and also such individuals having expertise within their profession or discipline who can be appointed fellows of the academy.
(b) Members of the academy council shall be selected for their demonstrated ability in innovative thinking, management skills, broad technical knowledge and a record of working to improve the science and technology base of the state. The objective of the process of selection shall be to create a council that, in its composition, represents a broad cross-section of those involved throughout the state's science and technology enterprises. Members of the council shall be selected and appointed as follows:
(1) The Governor shall appoint to the council, with the advice and consent of the Senate, three members experienced with, or serving in, federal agencies that promote and utilize research, development and commercialization, from a list of six persons recommended by a nominating committee. The nominating committee will be organized and lead by a representative from the national energy technology laboratory and may consist of representatives of United States government agencies, including, but not limited to, the federal departments of energy, transportation, agriculture, defense and homeland security, the national science foundation and the national aeronautics and space administration;