The division of risk management shall be headed by and under the supervision, direction and control of an officer who shall be designated "risk manager." The risk manager shall be appointed and compensated, subject to the provisions of the state Merit System, by the Director of Finance, with the approval of the Governor. Salary of said risk manager shall be paid from self-insured programs on a basis determined by the Finance Director.
Ala. Code § 41-4-305 (1975)