Executive director; duties, compensation, administrative support.

(1) The department shall employ an executive director with the approval of the commission. The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary. The executive director or the executive director’s designee shall perform the duties specified by the commission, including conducting the functions of the commission office; appointing event and commission officials; approving licenses, permits, and matches; and performing any other duties as the department or commission deems necessary to fulfill the duties of the position. The executive director may issue subpoenas and administer oaths to witnesses, permitholders, record custodians, and licensees.

(2) The department shall provide assistance in budget development and budget submission for state funding requests. The department shall submit an annual balanced legislative budget for the commission which is based upon anticipated revenue. The department shall provide technical assistance and administrative support, if requested or determined necessary, to the commission and its executive director on issues relating to personnel, contracting, property management, or other issues identified as important to performing the duties of this chapter and to protecting the interests of the state.