(a) The commission is authorized to employ an executive director and such other employees, on either a full-time or part-time basis, as may be necessary to discharge the duties of the commission. The executive director shall supervise and conduct the activities of the commission under the commission's direction. Unless the commission or chairman otherwise directs, the executive director may execute and attest on behalf of the commission any instrument in furtherance of an activity authorized by the commission. Unless the commission, chairman, or secretary otherwise instructs, the executive director may report the minutes of the commission, keep and affix its seal, attest its instruments, and keep and certify its records.

(b) The commission is authorized to promulgate a merit system of employment under which the executive director and such other employees shall be selected and promoted on the basis of merit.

(c) The executive director and all other employees of the commission are authorized to be members of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia. All rights, credits, and funds in the retirement system which are possessed by any person at the time of his employment with the commission are continued and preserved, it being the intention of the General Assembly that the person shall not lose any rights, credit, or funds to which he may be entitled prior to being employed by the commission.