Section 203 – Executive director — Appointment — Compensation — Qualifications — Deputy directors required — Responsibilities.

• (1)
  • (a) The chief administrative officer of the department is the executive director, who shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
  • (b) The executive director may be removed at the will of the governor.
  • (c) The executive director shall receive a salary established by the governor within the salary range fixed by the Legislature in Title 67, Chapter 22, State Officer Compensation.

• (2) The executive director shall be experienced in administration, management, and coordination of complex organizations.

• (3) If the executive director is not a physician, the executive director or a deputy director shall:
  • (a) be informed and experienced in public health;
  • (b) have successfully completed at least a master’s degree of public health or public administration from an accredited school of public health or from an accredited program of public health or public administration; and
  • (c)
    • (i) have at least five years of professional full-time experience, of which at least two years have been in public health in a senior level administrative capacity; or
    • (ii) have at least five years of professional full-time experience in public health programs, of which at least three years have been in a senior level administrative capacity.

• (4) The executive director shall appoint a deputy director of the department who:
  • (a) shall have successfully completed at least one year’s graduate work in an accredited school of public health or an accredited program of public health;
  • (b) shall have at least five years of professional full-time experience in public health programs; and
  • (c) is a physician licensed to practice medicine in the state with experience in public health.

• (5) The executive director is responsible for:
  • (a) administration and supervision of the department;
  • (b) coordination of policies and program activities conducted through the boards, divisions, and offices of the department;
  • (c) approval of the proposed budget of each board, division, and office within the department; and
  • (d) other duties as the Legislature or governor shall assign to the executive director.

• (6) The executive director may appoint deputy or assistant directors to assist the executive director in carrying out the department’s responsibilities.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 255, 2022 General Session