(a)      The Department of Human Resources is hereby created as a principal department of the State government. The head of the Department of Human Resources shall be the Secretary of Human Resources, who shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

      (b)      The Secretary of Human Resources shall receive such salary as provided in the State budget. The Secretary shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor, shall be directly responsible to the Governor, shall counsel and advise the Governor on all matters assigned to the Department of Human Resources, and shall be responsible for carrying out the Governor's policies with respect to such matters.

      (c)      The Secretary of Human Resources shall be responsible for the operation of the Department of Human Resources, and shall establish guidelines and procedures to promote the orderly and efficient administration thereof. He may establish areas of responsibility within his office and may reorganize or abolish the same as necessary to fulfill effectively the duties assigned to him.