§ 180. Administrator of the fund. The state comptroller shall appoint and supervise an administrator of the fund. The administrator shall be the chief executive of the fund and shall have the following powers and duties:

1. To represent the state in meetings with the alleged discharger and claimants concerning liability for the discharge and amount of the claims;

2. To determine if hearings are needed to settle particular claims filed by injured persons;

3. To convene hearings;

4. To certify the amount of claims and names of claimants to the state comptroller;

5. To disburse moneys from the fund for cleanup and removal costs pursuant to a certification of claims by the commissioner.