Give him time...
I'm not sure I can agree that it is important for Mr. MacDonald to be a turner. If I check into a hospital, I don't expect the hospital administrator to be a doctor, or a nurse. I'd like someone who runs a tight organization. Sure, it will probably be necessary for him to familiarize himself with some terminology, but that doesn't mean he has to be able to turn. It's like any job, you do what you are best suited to do, and it seems we are very lucky to have somebody of his expertise to help plot our organization's path.
In another sense, it may be better if he is not a turner. At least then he won't get distracted!
One of the most effective AAW employees I know is Tib Shaw, our curator. I never heard her claim to be a turner, but she really knows her stuff.
There are many similar examples: how many automobile executives are mechanics (well OK, maybe they'd do a better job if they were), how many Catholic priests are married (no, cancel that as it opens too many cans of worms), airline execs./pilots, and so on. Sure, they need a working knowledge of the business, but that comes. I don't yet know Phil, but from what I hear he will fit in just fine. Why don't we give him a fair go before we start pointing out shortcomings that may not even exist?
By the way, this is my first ever post here, despite being a member for many years. I am partly doing it because I'd like to support Mark Mandell. He is always good value.