Ala. Code § 22-50-16
The Governor shall appoint the Mental Health Commissioner and shall fix his term of office and salary, such salary to be established without regard to any limitations now, or hereafter, established by law unless such law specifically refers to such Mental Health Commissioner. The commissioner shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The said Mental Health Commissioner so appointed shall appoint all officers and employees of the department or he may authorize any superintendent, division or bureau head, or other administrator to select with his approval all staff members and employees, and shall fix the salaries of the officers and employees of the Mental Health Department, without regard to any limitation established by law, unless such law passed hereafter shall refer to the particular officer or employee of the Mental Health Department. The commissioner may appoint an Associate Commissioner for Mental Illness, an Associate Commissioner for Intellectual Disabilities and an Associate Commissioner for Administration and Personnel. The associate commissioners shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner. The Mental Health Commissioner shall exercise supervision over all the officers and employees of the Mental Health Department and should any such officer or employee fail to perform faithfully any of the duties which are lawfully prescribed for him, or if he fails or refuses to observe or conform to any rule, regulation, or policy of the Mental Health Department, the Mental Health Commissioner may remove him from office.
Ala. Code § 22-50-16 (1975)