The Board consists of the following 24 members: 11 members appointed by the Governor in consultation with the Secretary and with the advice and consent of the Senate; three members appointed by the Governor who are directors or chief executive officers from among the destination marketing organizations officially recognized by the Office; five members appointed by the President of the Senate of Maryland as follows: at least two members of the Senate; and at least two members from the private business community; and five members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates as follows: at least two members of the House of Delegates; and at least two members from the private business community. In appointing members to the Board, the Governor and, with respect to private business community members, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House shall: ensure that each geographic region of the State is represented equitably; give due consideration to the recommendations of representatives of the tourism industry; and provide balanced representation of the lodging, food service, transportation, retail, and amusements and attractions sectors of the tourism industry. A member of the Board who is a member of the General Assembly may not vote on a matter before the Board that relates to the exercise of the sovereign powers of the State. The term of a member is 3 years and begins on July 1. The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for the members on October 1, 2008. At the end of a term, a member continues to serve only until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member may be reappointed, but after serving for two consecutive 3–year terms, a member may not be reappointed until at least 1 year after the end of the member’s previous tenure. 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. A member of the General Assembly appointed by the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House serves until a successor is appointed. A member appointed by the Governor may be removed by the Governor with or without cause. A private business community member appointed by the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House may be removed by the appointing officer with or without cause.