(a) The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Authority shall consist of 15 members who shall serve for terms of two years, except that with respect to the first members appointed, five members shall be appointed for a term of three years, five for a term of two years, and five for a term of one year. The following agencies may each appoint one member of the authority:

(1) The Division of Rehabilitation Services of the Department of Labor;

(2) The State Board of Education;

(3) The Department of Public Safety; and

(4) The Department of Community Health.

The remaining 11 members of the authority shall be appointed by the Governor, eight of whom shall be citizens who have sustained brain or spinal cord injury or members of such persons' immediate families, no more than one of whom shall reside in the same geographic area of the state which constitutes a health district established by the Department of Human Resources. The Governor is authorized but not required to appoint the remaining three members from recommendations submitted by the Private Rehabilitation Suppliers of Georgia, the Georgia Hospital Association, and the Brain Injury Association of Georgia. The Governor shall also establish initial terms of office for all 15 members of the board within the limitations of this subsection.

(b) In the event of death, resignation, disqualification, or removal for any reason of any member of the authority, the vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment and the successor shall serve for the unexpired term.

(c) Membership on the authority does not constitute public office, and no member shall be disqualified from holding public office by reason of his or her membership.

(d) The Governor shall designate a chairperson of the authority from among the members, which chairperson shall serve in that position at the pleasure of the Governor. The authority may elect such other officers and committees as it considers appropriate.

(e) The authority, with the approval of the Governor, may employ such professional, technical, or clerical personnel as deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.