The director is the chief executive and administrative officer of the department and has all the powers of a department head set forth in Chapter 121. of the Revised Code. The director may adopt rules for the government of the department, the conduct of its officers and employees, the performance of its business, and the custody, use, and preservation of the department's records, papers, books, documents, and property. The director shall be an appointing authority within the meaning of Chapter 124. of the Revised Code. Whenever this or any other chapter or section of the Revised Code imposes a duty on or requires an action of the department, the duty or action shall be performed by the director or, upon the director's order, in the name of the department.
R.C. § 5139.01