(a) The officers of the commission shall consist of an executive director and such additional officers, deputies and assistants as the commission may determine. The executive director shall be appointed and may be removed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the full membership of the commission. All other officers and employees shall be appointed by the executive director under such rules of procedure as the commission may determine.

(b) In the appointment and promotion of officers and employees for the commission, no political, racial, religious or residence test or qualification shall be permitted or given consideration, but all such appointments and promotions shall be solely on the basis of merit and fitness. Any officer or employee of the commission who is found by the commission to be guilty of a violation of this section shall be removed from office by the commission.

L.1961, c. 13, p. 81, s. 14.5.