The director shall be the executive officer of the commission. The director shall attend all meetings of the commission, but has no voting power. At the direction of the commission, the director shall, together with the chairman of the commission, execute all contracts entered into by the commission which are legally authorized. The director shall appoint, subject to the approval of the commission, such employees as may be necessary for the proper discharge of the functions of the commission. The director shall act as the agent of the tax commissioner for purposes of enforcement of chapter 57-40.5.