(b) The Secretary may designate a staff assistant to be in charge of a particular area of responsibility.

(c) (1) (i) The Secretary shall appoint each staff assistant in the office of the Secretary in charge of a particular area of responsibility and each professional consultant.

(ii) An employee specified in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph:

1. is in the executive service or management service of, or is a special appointment under, the State Personnel Management System; and

2. serves at the pleasure of the Secretary.

(2) Unless otherwise provided by law, the Secretary shall appoint and remove all other employees in the office of the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.