N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143B-411

The Commission may, subject to legislative or other funds that would accrue to the Commission, employ an executive director to carry out the day-to-day responsibilities and business of the Commission. The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the Commission. The executive director, also subject to legislative or other funds that would accrue to the Commission, may hire additional staff and consultants to assist in the discharge of his responsibilities, as determined by the Commission. The executive director shall not be a member of the Commission, and shall be of Indian descent.