(a) To assist him or her in the discharge of the duties of his or her office, the Secretary of State may appoint one Assistant Secretary of State, whose powers, duties and liabilities shall be those of a deputy, and any deputies and clerical, expert, technical and other assistants necessary for the proper conduct of his or her office. The Assistant Secretary of State and all deputies are civil executive officers.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, but consistent with Section 4 of Article VII of the California Constitution and with subdivision (a) of this section, the Governor shall appoint four employees of the Secretary of State’s office, who may be nominated by the Secretary of State, and who are exempt from state civil service.