Ala. Code § 14-1-17
All functions and duties of the department shall be exercised by the Governor, acting by himself or by and through such administrative divisions or such officers or employees or individuals as he may designate. The Governor is hereby further authorized to set the salary of such individual or individuals and make one such person responsible to him as administrator of the corrections institutions throughout this state. The Governor is further authorized to set the salary of such administrator at the same level of any cabinet officer or at a reasonable level in excess thereof. Any administrator shall have the authority and the duties which the Governor may designate and all of the power and authority incident to carrying out the functions and duties assigned.
Ala. Code § 14-1-17 (1975)