BOARD MEMBERSHIP.

(a) The board consists of nine members as follows:

(1) the executive secretary of the Veterans' Land Board or the executive secretary's designee; and

(2) eight members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate as follows:

(A) four members who are certified or licensed appraisers actively engaged in the practice of appraising real property; and

(B) four public members who qualify for appointment based on their recognized business ability.

(b) The executive secretary of the Veterans' Land Board or the executive secretary's designee is a voting member of the board.

(c) In making appointments to the board, the governor shall ensure that:

(1) a single appraisal organization is not overrepresented on the board;

(2) the board is independent of a trade association, profession, or industry; and

(3) the board represents:

(A) the diverse geographic areas of the state; and

(B) a cross-section of disciplines in the field of real estate appraisal.

(d) Appointments to the board shall be made without regard to:

(1) the race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin of the appointee; or

(2) the appointee's membership in an appraisal organization.