(1) The commissioner, with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint an individual experienced in the field of criminal justice and in administration as the executive director of the commission.
(2) The commissioner shall establish the executive director's salary within the salary range fixed by the Legislature in Title 67, Chapter 22, State Officer Compensation.
(3)
(a) The executive director shall:
(i) administer the duties of the commission;
(ii) communicate on behalf of the commission to policymakers and the public;
(iii) represent the department on the commission; and
(iv) represent the department on other boards and commissions in accordance with Sections 75E-4-102 and 75E-6-102 or as assigned by the commissioner.
(b) This chapter does not derogate the planning authority conferred on state, regional, metropolitan, and local governments by existing law.