(a) The Secretary, with the approval of the Governor, may appoint, outside the classified service, an executive assistant to serve at his or her pleasure, or designate the same from within the classified personnel of the Agency. The executive assistant shall perform such duties as the Secretary prescribes.
(b) The Secretary, with the approval of the Governor, shall designate his or her executive assistant or a commissioner to act in the event of a vacancy or in his or her absence. The provisions of subsections 253(d) and (e) of this title shall apply.