(1) The executive director of the department may hire an executive director.
(2) The executive director or the executive director's designee:
(a) is responsible for the administering and carrying out the policies of the authority;
(b) shall direct and supervise the technical and administrative activities of the authority;
(c) is responsible for the conduct of the administrative function of the river commissioner and the authority; and
(d) shall perform any lawful act necessary to carry out the duties of the authority.
(3) The executive director shall, within the limits of available funding, employ the employees necessary to carry out the functions and duties of the executive director. The employees have the duties prescribed by the executive director.