Maryland Code, Public Safety § 14-104

(1) serves without a fixed term and may be removed by the Governor;

(2) is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget; and

(3) shall devote full time to the duties assigned to the Secretary.

(c)(1) The Secretary is responsible to the Governor for carrying out the State emergency management program.

(2) If the Governor has formally declared the threat or occurrence of an emergency, the Secretary shall coordinate the activities of all organizations for emergency management operations in the State.

(3) The Secretary, in collaboration with other public and private agencies in the State, shall develop or cause to be developed mutual aid agreements for reciprocal emergency aid and assistance in case of emergency of an extreme nature that affects two or more political subdivisions.

(4) The Secretary shall maintain liaison and cooperate with emergency management agencies and organizations of other states and the federal government.