The head of the department shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate for a term of four years and until his successor has qualified. The compensation of the director shall be fixed by the governor. His appointment shall be made on the sole basis of his qualifications to administer the affairs of the department. The director shall serve on a full time basis and be subject to removal by the governor only for cause and after public hearing.
La. R.S. § 38:9