(a) Effective July 1, 2025, the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation shall be transferred from the University System of Georgia to the department and shall be located within an appropriate facility.

(b)(1) The director of the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation shall be appointed by the Commissioner, provided that such appointment shall be subject to approval by a majority vote of the Georgia Rural Development Council. The director shall continue to serve in such position until his or her resignation or until the appointment of a new director by the Commissioner, provided that such appointment is approved by a majority vote of such council.

(2) Subject to appropriations, the director shall be authorized to employ such personnel as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.