(a) There is a Department of Veterans Affairs, established as a principal department of the State government.
(b) The head of the Department is the Secretary of Veterans Affairs who shall be:
(1) a veteran who has an honorable discharge from active service with a uniformed service of the United States; and
(2) appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(c) (1) The Secretary serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is responsible directly to the Governor. The Secretary shall advise the Governor on all matters assigned to the Department and is responsible for carrying out the Governor’s policies on these matters.
(2) The Secretary is responsible for the operation of the Department and shall establish guidelines and procedures to promote the orderly and efficient operation of the Department.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this subtitle, the Secretary may establish, reorganize, or consolidate areas of responsibility in the Department as necessary to fulfill the duties assigned by the Secretary.
(4) The Secretary shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.
(d) The Secretary is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.