The NHDOT Commissioner is appointed to a four-year term by the governor, with the consent of the Executive Council. The Executive Council is a five-member, elected, executive branch agency that has authority and responsibility, with the governor, over the administration of the affairs of the state. State statute requires the NHDOT commissioner only "to be qualified to hold the position by reason of education and experience." (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §21-L:3) The commissioner can be removed only for cause. The attorney general, the governor or an Executive Council member may petition for a commissioners removal, which is effected by a vote of three or more council members in concurrence with the governor (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §4:1).