I wonder then if it was so for the previous PR Director and, if so, whether indeed, she was truly able to access the areas

The previous PR person knew little about using the backend because there was no one with the knowledge to show her. The previous, previous PR person did not do a good job of updating the site. Let's put it this way -- it's like handing someone who has never used Microsoft Word a CD of the program and expecting almost instant knowledge of its many powers. Doing so demonstrates a lack of knowledge by management of the true requirements to run a relatively intricate web site like OPA's.

I've found that in many non-profit and even for profit organizations people aren't always aware or experienced enough to understand what it takes -- skill sets and even internal organization support -- to keep it running.

Much more than the average person believes. People run FrontPage or learn a little HTML and think that's all there is to managing a complicated database-driven web site.

It's not an easy thing in the first place, so inheriting a difficult system can be a nightmare.

I'm not convinced the existing site is all that bad, if it was updated and managed properly. I've offered to dig into it, discover the nuances and options for updating, and pass that info on to staff so as to rebuild institutional knowledge. The offer was rejected.