R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-128-11
The governor shall appoint from qualified candidates, with the advice of the coordinating committee, an executive director, who shall not be subject to the provisions of chapter 4 of title 36, and who shall serve as the state housing commissioner and may also serve in the executive office of commerce as the deputy secretary of housing. The commission shall also cause to be employed staff and technical and professional consultants as may be required to carry out the powers and duties set forth in this chapter. All staff, including the executive director, may be secured through a memorandum of agreement with the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation, or any other agency or political subdivision of the state with the approval of the relevant agency or political subdivision, as provided for in § 42-128-2(2)(ii). Any person who is in the civil service and is transferred to the commission may retain civil service status.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-128-11