There shall be a commissioner of business and economic affairs who shall be appointed by the governor and council for a term of 4 years from the date of appointment. It shall be the responsibility of the commissioner to organize and direct the work of the department. The commissioner shall appoint one member of his or her staff who shall act in the commissioner’s stead when said commissioner is absent from the state and at such other times as directed by the commissioner. When acting for the commissioner said person shall have all the power, duties, and authority of the commissioner. Directors of departmental divisions shall be subject to the supervisory authority of the commissioner, which authority shall include power to establish department and divisional policy as well as to control the actual operations of the department and all divisions therein. The commissioner is authorized to establish any advisory commissions and programs which the commissioner may deem necessary to carry out the mission and operations of the department.