(a) Before January 1, 2027, the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency shall appoint an executive officer of the conservancy. The executive officer shall be exempt from civil service.
(b) On or after January 1, 2027, the board shall determine the qualifications of, and shall appoint, an executive officer of the conservancy, who shall be exempt from civil service. The board shall employ other staff as necessary to execute the powers and functions provided for in this division.