(a) The board shall annually elect a presiding officer and other officers it considers necessary from among its membership.
(b) The board shall employ a chief executive officer who shall be selected by the board. The chief executive officer shall be compensated at no less than range 26 of the pay plan for state employees under AS 39.27.011(a). The chief executive officer may
(1) hire additional employees;
(2) appoint hearing officers to perform the responsibilities set out in AS 47.30.031(b)(4); and
(3) contract for the services of consultants and others.
(c) The chief executive officer is directly responsible to the board.
(d) The chief executive officer and employees hired under this section are in the exempt service under AS 39.25.110.