(a) In accordance with the State budget, the Secretary may employ a staff and retain professional consultants in the office of the Secretary.
(b) The Secretary may designate a staff assistant to be in charge of a particular area of responsibility in the office of the Secretary.
(c) (1) Each staff assistant in the office of the Secretary in charge of a particular area of responsibility and each professional consultant is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Secretary.
(2) Unless otherwise provided by law, the Secretary shall appoint and remove all other employees in the office of the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article that govern skilled service or professional service employees with the exception of special appointments.