Secretary.
(1) The secretary is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the governor. In addition to other powers, the secretary may:
(a) Adopt rules;
(b) Appoint advisory committees on areas of emerging concern;
(c) Undertake studies, research, and analyses;
(d) Delegate powers, duties, and functions;
(e) Enter into contracts on behalf of the department; and
(f) Act for the state in the initiation of, or the participation in, intergovernmental programs.
(2) In case of the absence or disability of the secretary, or in case the office of secretary becomes vacant, the deputy secretary shall have full charge and supervision of the department and shall have the same power and authority to act as the secretary.
(3) In the case of the absence or disability of the secretary and the deputy secretary, the person designated "acting secretary" shall have the same power and authority to act as the secretary. If no person has been so designated, then the power to act as acting secretary shall be vested in any of the assistant secretaries designated in WAC
246-01-080, in the order in which they are listed therein.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
43.70.050. WSR 93-08-004 (Order 346), ยง 246-01-030, filed 3/24/93, effective 4/24/93.]