Section 53. The OFVD executive director may, subject to appropriation and with the approval of the director of economic development, appoint and, with like approval, remove all such employees as may be necessary to carry out the work of OFVD. Unless otherwise provided by law, all such appointments and removals shall be made in accordance with chapter thirty-one. From time to time the executive director may, subject to appropriation and the laws and regulations pertaining to the employment of consultants, employ such consultants as he may deem necessary.