(a) Subject to the General Appropriations Act or other law, the executive director shall appoint deputies, assistants, and other personnel, including a general counsel, as necessary to carry out the powers and duties of the department under this code, other applicable vehicle laws of this state, and other laws granting jurisdiction or applicable to the department.
(b) A person appointed under this section must have the professional and administrative experience necessary to qualify the person for the position to which the person is appointed.