(a) The Secretary, with the approval of the Governor, may appoint a Deputy Secretary to serve at his or her pleasure and to perform such duties as the Secretary prescribes. The Deputy Secretary shall be exempt from the classified service. The appointment shall be in writing and recorded in the Office of the Secretary of State.

(b) The Deputy Secretary shall discharge the duties and responsibilities of the Secretary in the Secretary's absence. In case a vacancy occurs in the Office of the Secretary, the Deputy shall assume and discharge the duties of Office until the vacancy is filled.

(c) With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary may appoint a Commissioner within the Agency to act in the absence of the Secretary and Deputy. The appointment shall be filed with the Secretary of State. (Added 1971, No. 92, § 4(e), (g), eff. June 1, 1971; amended 1987, No. 243 (Adj. Sess.), § 13, eff. June 13, 1988.)