1. (1)

   1. (a) The chief administrative officer of the department is the executive director, who shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
   2. (b) The executive director may be removed at the will of the governor.
   3. (c) The executive director shall receive a salary established by the governor within the salary range fixed by the Legislature in Title 67, Chapter 22, State Officer Compensation.
2. (2) The executive director shall be experienced in administration, management, and coordination of complex organizations.

3. (3) The executive director or a deputy director shall:

   1. (a) be informed and experienced in public health;
   2. (b) have successfully completed at least a master's degree of public health or public administration from an accredited school of public health or from an accredited program of public health or public administration; and

   3. (c)

      1. (i) have at least five years of professional full-time experience, of which at least two years have been in public health in a senior level administrative capacity; or
      2. (ii) have at least five years of professional full-time experience in public health programs, of which at least three years have been in a senior level administrative capacity.
4. (4) If the executive director is not a physician, the executive director shall appoint a deputy director of the department who is a physician licensed to practice medicine in the state with experience in public health.

5. (5) The executive director is responsible for:

   1. (a) administration and supervision of the department;
   2. (b) coordination of policies and program activities conducted through the boards, divisions, and offices of the department;
   3. (c) approval of the proposed budget of each board, division, and office within the department; and
   4. (d) other duties as the Legislature or governor shall assign to the executive director.
6. (6) The executive director may appoint deputy or assistant directors to assist the executive director in carrying out the department's responsibilities.

Amended by Chapter 470, 2025 General Session