C.R.S. § 23-1.1-103: Executive director of the department - appointment - duties - repeal.

(1) (a) The governor shall appoint, with the consent of the senate, an executive director qualified by substantial training and experience in the field of higher education and workforce development. The executive director is the executive officer of the commission and the department, serves at the pleasure of the governor, and must receive compensation commensurate with the duties of the office as determined by the governor. The executive director shall discharge their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the policies, procedures, and directives of the commission and the department. The executive director shall employ professional and clerical personnel as the executive director deems necessary to carry out the duties and functions of the commission and the department. Offices held by the executive director and professional personnel are declared to be educational in nature and not under the state personnel system.

(b) (I) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(a) of this section, the executive director of the Colorado commission on higher education on June 30, 2028, becomes the executive director of the department of higher education on July 1, 2028, unless the governor appoints a different person to assume the office of the executive director of the department of higher education effective on July 1, 2028.

(II) This subsection (1)(b) is repealed, effective January 31, 2035.

(2) The executive director has the powers, duties, and functions prescribed in article 1 of title 24 for heads of principal departments, as described in section 24-1-114, and has the powers, duties, and functions set forth in state law.

(3) The executive director shall conduct all studies and programs of the commission and coordinate the studies and programs with those of other state agencies having duties and functions concerned with higher education, so as to avoid duplication of programs and staff.

(4) The executive director shall review and approve or deny any proposed action or recommendation of the private occupational school board acting pursuant to article 64 of this title 23.