The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as soon as practicable after its organization shall select and appoint a competent person qualified as hereinafter set forth as Executive Director of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The Executive Director shall be charged with the supervision of all activities under the jurisdiction of the Commission and shall serve as the chief administrative officer of the said Commission. Subject to the approval of the Commission and the Director of the Budget, he is hereby authorized to employ such clerical and other assistants as may be deemed necessary. The person selected as Executive Director shall have had training and experience in conservation, protection and management of wildlife resources. The salary of such Director shall be fixed by the Wildlife Resources Commission, in an amount at least equal to the salary of the Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries. The Director shall be allowed actual expenses incurred while on official duties away from resident headquarters. The salary and expenses of the Director shall be paid from the Wildlife Resources Fund subject to the provisions of the Executive Budget Act. The term of office of the Executive Director shall be at the pleasure of the Commission. Such bond shall be made as part of the blanket bond of State officers and employees provided for in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 128-8 (1947, c. 263, s. 10; 1957, c. 541, s. 17; 1969, c. 844, s. 5; 1979, c. 830, s. 7; 1981, c. 884, s. 11; 1983, c. 717, s. 73; 1985, c. 479, s. 221; 1998-212, s. 28.19(a).)