The Advisory Board consists of the following 18 members: the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee; the Executive Director of the Corporation, or the Executive Director’s designee; and the following members appointed by the Governor: three representing federal agencies located in the State with life sciences missions; seven with executive experience in life sciences businesses located in the State, at least four of whom represent small businesses; four representing institutions of higher education located in the State, one of whom shall represent a community college; one with general business marketing experience in a life sciences business located in the State; and one member of the general public. The composition of the Advisory Board shall reflect the racial and gender diversity of the population of the State. Except for the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee and the Executive Director of the Corporation or the Executive Director’s designee, the term of an Advisory Board member is 3 years. 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 terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Advisory Board on July 1, 2026. The Governor may remove a member of the Advisory Board for incompetence, misconduct, or failure to perform the duties of the position. The Governor shall select a chair from among the members of the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board may act with an affirmative vote of eight members. A member of the Advisory Board: may not receive compensation as a member of the Advisory Board; but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.