(a) The Board of Regents for Higher Education shall appoint a president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities who shall serve at the pleasure of the board. The president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities shall (1) have the authority to implement the policies, directives and rules of the board and any additional responsibilities as the board may prescribe, (2) implement the goals identified in § 10a-11c and recommendations made pursuant to § 10a-11b, (3) build interdependent support among the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College, (4) balance central authority with institutional differentiation, autonomy and creativity, and (5) facilitate cooperation and synergy among the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College. The president may designate an alternate to serve as a member of any commission, foundation or committee upon which the general statutes require the president to serve. Such designee may vote on behalf of the president. There shall be an executive staff responsible for the operation of the Board of Regents for Higher Education. The executive staff shall be under the direction of the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, who shall be the chief executive officer of the Board of Regents for Higher Education.

(b) The president may employ staff as is deemed necessary, including, but not limited to, temporary assistants and consultants. The board shall establish terms and conditions of employment of the president and the board’s staff, prescribe their duties and fix the compensation of the president and the board’s professional and technical personnel.

(c) Upon recommendation of the president, the Board of Regents for Higher Education shall appoint two vice-presidents. One vice-president shall represent the Connecticut State University System and the other vice-president shall represent the regional community-technical college system. Each vice-president shall perform such duties and responsibilities as the board and president shall prescribe, so that each said constituent unit fulfills its mission. Such duties shall include, but not be limited to, oversight of academic programs, student support services and institutional support.

(d) Not later than October 1, 2017, the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities shall establish the position of outreach coordinator within the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. Such outreach coordinator shall act as a liaison between institutions within the system and businesses in the state to develop workforce education and job training opportunities including Early College Opportunity programs. Such position may be full time or part time and may be held by an individual who also holds another position within said system as part of such individual’s regular duties and without additional compensation.