The superintendent, subject to the approval of the secretary of children, youth, and families, shall appoint such associate superintendents as shall be deemed necessary. In the event the superintendent shall be absent from the institution, or during periods of illness or other situations incapacitating the superintendent from properly performing his or her duties, one of the associate superintendents of such institution shall act as superintendent during such period of absence, illness, or incapacity as may be designated by the secretary of children, youth, and families.