(a) The board consists of nine members as follows:
(1) the executive secretary of the Veterans' Land Board or the executive secretary's designee; and
(2) eight members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate as follows:
(A) four members who are certified or licensed appraisers actively engaged in the practice of appraising real property; and
(B) four public members who qualify for appointment based on their recognized business ability.
(b) The executive secretary of the Veterans' Land Board or the executive secretary's designee is a voting member of the board.
(c) In making appointments to the board, the governor shall ensure that:
(1) a single appraisal organization is not overrepresented on the board;
(2) the board is independent of a trade association, profession, or industry; and
(3) the board represents:
(A) the diverse geographic areas of the state; and
(B) a cross-section of disciplines in the field of real estate appraisal.
(d) Appointments to the board shall be made without regard to:
(1) the race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin of the appointee; or
(2) the appointee's membership in an appraisal organization.