Yes, it's probably a good idea to have a board member who serves as a liaison and can be in charge of perusing the program for grammatical errors and any "thank you's" that need to be added (such as sponsors/donors).

As far as artwork, it's always nice to let the director feel like he/she has the opportunity to implement their vision, but some may need a little help with the process.

 When I direct at my "home theatre", I will sketch out an idea, or perhaps find a good piece of artwork that I would like to use as the program cover. I have my actors turn in their bios ahead of time so I can edit them for length and clarity. Then I will turn this in to the producer/publicity chairperson, and they can take my ideas and add their two cents. Then the theatre handles the interactions with the printer. Usually this has has been a nice collaborative way of doing things.

I do all artwork for our shows unless we're using official logos and such like with certain MTI shows. I'm chair of marketing and advertising although it's just me (meetings are lonely)

If a show is a directors project (he/she proposed the show) then I'll coordinate with them artwork, otherwise it's my own creation and I use variations for posters, fliers, program cover t-shirts etc to keep continuity. However if a hired gun director happens to have an idea I'm completely open to it.

I always get the contract right away to clear up legalities and such and before anything is printed I have a few eyes look over it. Also cause I like to boast over my awesome posters.