(a) Subject to the commission's approval, the commissioner may appoint a deputy commissioner, who must have the qualifications required of the commissioner.
(b) The deputy commissioner serves at the will of the commissioner and, at the commissioner's direction, may exercise the powers and prerogatives of the commissioner.
(c) The deputy commissioner is an employee of the commission and is subject to the commission's orders and directions.
(d) During the commissioner's absence or inability to act, the deputy commissioner shall perform the commissioner's duties.