(1) The board shall annually elect a chairman from among its members and such other officers as it may deem necessary for the performance of its duties. It shall appoint a director to serve at its pleasure, and who shall be chosen solely on the basis of his training, experience and other qualifications in the field of zoo management. The director shall act as executive secretary of the board and appoint administrative officers and employees of the board with the approval of the board. With the approval of the board he shall exercise the powers and duties set forth in Section 55-21-9.
(2) The board shall meet at such times and places as it may determine. Each voting member of the board shall be paid a per diem compensation of twenty-two dollars and fifty cents ($22.50) and shall be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of his duties in the same manner as other state employees and officers are reimbursed for such expenses.