Managing, by long distance

According to the Nov. 14 edition of The Telegram, Michael O'Keefe, who has an extensive background in health care and hospital administration, has been appointed chairman of the board of trustees of Eastern Health. So far, so good. It sounds great.
Mr. O'Keefe states that it is a major priority of Eastern Health Authority to restore public confidence in the system. No problem with the goal - we all agree. "We don't intend to sit and listen," he says. "We will take action." Again, we applaud this sentiment. Wonderful. Furthermore, the chairman asserts, Eastern Health is working on a plan to consult with the public on a program to implement the Cameron Inquiry recommendations. And a program for aging acute-care facilities in St. John's is a priority, etc. etc.
All of the foregoing initiatives appear positive and very worthwhile. And, I thought as I read the article in question, the enormity of the task to bring these goals to fruition will certainly demand the full attention of the most ablest individual - in this case it happens to be Mr. O'Keefe.
Then, the bombshell is dropped.
Mr. O'Keefe, a native Newfoundlander now living in Ontario, is going to stay in Ontario. That's right - he's not coming here to work at his job. No siree. He's staying put. He will come to Newfoundland occasionally on cheap flights and carry out his duties as chairman by using various technological advances.
Pardon me, Mr. Editor, but I'm perplexed - to put it mildly. This, to me, flies in the face of reason. I admit I only have limited information about this issue and perhaps that's why I'm left wondering if there's "something rotten in the state of Denmark."
In any event, the scenario certainly raises questions which need some answers. For example - is the position of chairperson merely a figurehead - of no consequence or importance? If not, should it not be a requirement that the person filling the post live in the immediate area? Could no qualified individual already residing here be found? Can any person, whether his name is O'Keefe or Martin or you name it, be really tuned in to the daily operations of the health system if he/she is removed from the vicinity of the action? From the perspective of the employees of Eastern Health, wouldn't it be desirable - yes, even essential - to have that visible presence of the chairperson at all times rather than isolated visits from some distant locality? Is it the position of Eastern Health that it doesn't really matter where the chairperson lives? If the answer is "yes," then some clarification of the situation should be publicly given. If the answer is "no," then who made the appointment? An outside agency? Government?
I truly appreciate the health-care system we enjoy and view it as doing a commendable job under sometimes seemingly insurmountable odds. With this in mind, I hope I'm not making a mountain out of a molehill in this particular case. However, the article does beg for answers.
Will someone please provide some?

George Martin
Clarenville