§ 163-27.  Executive Director to be appointed by State Board.

(a) The State Board shall appoint an Executive Director for a term of two years with compensation to be determined by the Office of State Human Resources.

(b) The term of office for the Executive Director begins May 15 of the year after each even-year election, unless removed for cause. If for any reason the position of Executive Director is not filled by June 15 of the year after each even-year election or within 30 days of the occurrence of a vacancy in the position of Executive Director, the position of Executive Director may be filled by legislative appointment in accordance with G.S. 120-121 as if the Executive Director is a member of a board or commission with the appointing authority being as follows:

(1) If the vacancy occurs in 2025 and every eight years thereafter, the appointment is made upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

(2) If the vacancy occurs in 2026 and every eight years thereafter, the appointment is made upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(3) If the vacancy occurs in 2027 and every eight years thereafter, the appointment is made upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

(4) If the vacancy occurs in 2028 and every eight years thereafter, the appointment is made upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(5) If the vacancy occurs in 2029 and every eight years thereafter, the appointment is made upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(6) If the vacancy occurs in 2030 and every eight years thereafter, the appointment is made upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

(7) If the vacancy occurs in 2031 and every eight years thereafter, the appointment is made upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(8) If the vacancy occurs in 2032 and every eight years thereafter, the appointment is made upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

(c) The Executive Director shall be responsible for staffing, administration, and execution of the State Board's decisions and orders and shall perform such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the State Board.

(d) The Executive Director shall be the chief State elections official. (1973, c. 1409, s. 3; 1985, c. 62, s. 2; 2001-319, s. 11; 2017-6, ss. 4(c), 7(f); 2018-146, ss. 3.1(a), (b), 3.2(e); 2023-139, s. 2.5.)