Va. Code § 33.2-222
The Commissioner of Highways shall be the chief executive officer of the Department of Transportation. The Commissioner of Highways shall be an experienced administrator able to direct and guide the Department in the establishment and achievement of the Department's core mission as provided in subsection B of § 33.2-256 and other transportation objectives determined by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
The Commissioner of Highways shall devote his entire time and attention to his duties as chief executive officer of the Department and shall receive such compensation as shall be fixed by law. He shall also be reimbursed for his actual travel expenses while engaged in the discharge of his duties.
In the event of a vacancy due to the death, temporary disability, retirement, resignation, or removal of the Commissioner of Highways, the Governor may appoint and thereafter remove at his pleasure an "Acting Commissioner of Highways" until such time as the vacancy may be filled as provided in § 33.2-200. Such "Acting Commissioner of Highways" shall have all powers and perform all duties of the Commissioner of Highways as provided by law and shall receive such compensation as may be fixed by the Governor. In the event of the temporary disability for any reason of the Commissioner of Highways, full effect shall be given to the provisions of § 2.2-605.
Va. Code § 33.2-222