1. The superintendent, with the approval of the Commissioner of Professional and Financial Regulation, may employ, subject to the Civil Service Law, 2 deputy superintendents. Where authorized by another section of this Title, the superintendent may also appoint such special deputies as regulatory responsibilities may necessitate.

2. The deputies shall perform such duties and exercise such powers of the superintendent as the superintendent may from time to time authorize. The superintendent shall designate one of the deputy superintendents to perform the duties of the superintendent whenever the superintendent is absent from the State; the deputy superintendent is directed to do so by the superintendent; there is a vacancy in the office of superintendent; or the superintendent is incapacitated by illness.