(a) The council consists of 13 members who are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the governor. The council shall include one or more persons from a veterans organization, one or more persons from a state agency that manages programs affecting veterans, and one or more persons from the general public who are familiar with veterans' issues.
(b) Members of the council who are not state officers or employees are appointed for staggered three-year terms and serve until a successor is appointed. A member appointed to fill a vacancy on the council serves for the remainder of the unexpired term of the member whose vacancy is being filled.
(c) The council shall elect a chair from among its members who are not state officers or employees.