The chief executive officer and administrative head of the department shall be the commissioner of welfare, who shall be appointed and compensated, and shall serve, as provided by section two-a, article seven, chapter six of this code.

The commissioner shall be selected with special reference and consideration given to his training, experience, capacity and interest in or relating to the welfare assistance programs administered by the state department of welfare.

Before entering upon the duties of his office, the commissioner shall take and subscribe to the oath of office prescribed by section five, article four of the state Constitution and shall execute a corporate surety bond in the sum of $15,000 for the faithful performance of his duties. The bond shall be in the form prescribed by the Attorney General and approved by the Governor, and both the certificate of the oath and the bond shall be filed with the Secretary of State. Premiums upon the bond shall be paid out of the funds of the department.

The commissioner shall not be a candidate for, or hold, any other public office or public employment under the federal government or under the government of this state or any of its political subdivisions, or be a member or officer of any political party committee, or serve as an election official, or engage in any political activity, other than to vote, in behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate, political party or public issue involved in an election. Any violation by the commissioner of the provisions of this paragraph shall automatically vacate his appointment as commissioner.