The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is authorized to hire laborers, artisans, caretakers, stenographic and administrative employees, and other personnel, in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Human Resources Act, as may be necessary in carrying out the purposes and provisions of this Article, and to maintain the ship in a clean, neat, and attractive condition satisfactory for exhibition to the public. The Commission shall appoint and fix the salary of an Executive Director and Assistant Director to serve at its pleasure. Employees shall be residents of the State of North Carolina except as may, in emergency conditions, be necessary for the procurement of specially trained or specially skilled employees. Any materials used for any purpose in maintaining and operating the ship for the purposes of this Article shall be, insofar as practicable, North Carolina materials. (1961, c. 158; 1975, c. 879, s. 46; 1977, c. 741, ss. 6, 8; 2006-204, s. 1; 2013-382, s. 9.1(c); 2015-241, s. 14.30(s).)