The Board consists of 12 members, 11 of whom shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary. Of the Board members: One shall be a duly qualified and licensed veterinarian; One shall be an officer of a county humane society; One shall be an owner of a licensed stable; One shall be a public member; One shall be a representative of the Maryland Horse Council, Inc.; One shall be a representative of the trails and recreational riding community; One shall represent the organized competitions and shows industry; One shall represent the Maryland thoroughbred industry; One shall represent the Maryland standardbred industry; One shall represent the academic equine community; and One shall represent the equine trade and support industries. The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, shall serve as an ex officio member of the Board. Before taking office, each appointee to the Board shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution. The term of a member is 4 years. The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on July 1, 1980. At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. The Governor may remove a member for incompetency or misconduct.