I don't expect or want the CEO to be "the architect or project originator of any meaningful events or expansions during his tenure." That's not his job. Scientists like Patterson should be the ones to design the COVID/LH trials, but not be the one to be the CEO. The right people in the right jobs. Personalities, some BOD material, some CEO, some day to day operation.
We all knew the limitations. You hit the nail on the head, he was good at "finding financing to keep pushing the ball forward."