(a) The powers of the corporation are vested in the board of directors. The board consists of the commissioner of commerce, community, and economic development, the commissioner of transportation and public facilities, and five members appointed by the governor. The five appointed members must be registered voters in the state except as provided in (1) and (2) of this subsection. Except for the commissioners and the member appointed under (5) of this subsection, a member may not be a state officer or employee. Appointed members shall have the following qualifications:
(1) one member of the board shall be a person who has at least 10 years of experience in railroad management; a person who is not a resident of the state may be appointed under this paragraph;
(2) one member of the board shall be or have been an executive official of a United States railroad and shall be selected in accordance with any requirements imposed under 49 U.S.C. (Interstate Commerce Act); a person who is not a resident of the state may be appointed under this paragraph;
(3) at least one member shall be from each judicial district directly served by the Alaska Railroad;
(4) one member shall have at least five years experience as an owner or manager of a business in the state;
(5) one member shall be an employee who is a member of a bargaining unit representing employees of the corporation.
(b) Except for the commissioners, the members of the board shall be confirmed by a majority of the members of the legislature in joint session. A member appointed by the governor has the full powers and responsibilities of a confirmed board member until the member is rejected by the legislature or the legislature adjourns without confirming the member.