The board may appoint a secretary to hold office at its pleasure. The secretary, if appointed, shall have such powers and shall perform such duties not contrary to law as the board shall prescribe, and shall receive such compensation as the board, with the approval of the Governor, shall determine. The secretary shall have power and authority to designate, from time to time, one of the clerks appointed by the board to perform the duties of the secretary during his absence and the clerk so appointed shall exercise, for the time so designated, the powers of the secretary of the board.
47 P.S. § 2-204