The Director shall, in response to a request for a hearing, choose an employee of the Department to conduct the hearing and issue an administrative decision. An individual may not serve as the Secretary's designee if, as to this hearing, the individual: Was involved in policy or decision-making regarding the particular action or inaction of the Secretary which is the subject of the hearing; Has a personal financial interest in the matter; or Is related by blood or marriage to the appellant or to the Department's representative. The appellant shall be informed before the hearing of the identity of the Secretary's designee, and shall have the right to object based on factors noted in §B of this regulation.