1. The director may appoint a deputy, who shall be subject to removal at pleasure by the director, and who shall possess all the powers and perform all the duties attached by law to the office of director during a vacancy in the office, and during the absence, inability or suspension of his principal. The director shall be responsible for the acts of his deputy, who shall, before entering upon the duties of his office, take the oath and be bonded as required of the director in section 374.030. The deputy director shall assist the director in the administration of the department, and perform such duties and have such powers as the director may direct.

2. In the event there is an absence of the director and no deputy has been appointed, the governor shall appoint the acting director from among the division directors within the department.