(a) The executive director may employ an associate director, actuary, accountants, inspectors, examiners, experts, clerks, stenographers and other assistants, and fix their compensation, which shall be paid as provided in section three of this article. The associate director shall be hired with the approval of the board of managers and serves at the will and pleasure of the executive director.
(b) The associate director, supervisory officers, actuaries, accountants, inspectors, examiners, experts, clerks, stenographers and other assistants who may be employed are entitled to receive from the workers' compensation fund their necessary expense while traveling on business of the commission. Travel reimbursement shall be paid in accordance with the travel guidelines established by the Department of Administration. All expenses shall be itemized and sworn to by the person who incurred the expense, and are subject to the approval of the executive director: Provided, That the expenses of the executive director shall be subject to the approval of the board of managers.