The commission may, consistent with state personnel procedures and with the approval of the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Resources or his or her designee, appoint an executive director, who shall act as the chief administrative officer of the commission, in addition to such other duties as he or she may be assigned. The commission may also, consistent with state personnel procedures and with the approval of the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Resources or his or her designee, appoint such other personnel as may be deemed necessary to accomplish its objectives. All persons so employed shall be paid from funds received by the Department of Health and Human Resources or the commission under section four of this article.