La. Stat. tit. 36 § 503
There shall be a secretary of transportation and development who shall be appointed by the governor with consent of the Senate. He shall serve at the pleasure of the governor at a salary fixed by the governor, which salary shall not exceed the amount approved for such position by the legislature while in session. He shall be the appointing authority for the department in accordance with civil service rules and regulations. The secretary shall serve as the executive head and chief administrative officer of the Department of Transportation and Development and shall have the responsibility for the policies of the department, except as specifically provided for particular agencies transferred to or placed within the department by other provisions of this Title. He shall also be responsible for the administration, control, and operation of the functions, programs, and affairs of the department; provided that the secretary shall perform his functions under the general control and supervision of the governor.
La. R.S. § 36:503