FIELD OF BIG DREAMS - Key Persons
Dan Evans has enjoyed a successful career in professional baseball featuring decision-making roles with five MLB franchises spanning over four decades, including having the second best mark for any General Manager in Los Angeles Dodger history at the time of his departure. He is on SABR's Board of Directors, consulted for many worldwide entities, and currently mentors others through Sports Management Worldwide's "Baseball GM & Scouting" online course. As Chief Operating Officer for Go The Distance Baseball LLC, Dan is responsible for all strategy, on-site operations, negotiations and staff for the iconic Field of Dreams site. Dan has also served on several non-profit Boards, including Boulder Collegians Baseball, as well as volunteered for the National Ballpark Museum and The Midnight Mission, which serves the homeless population of Los Angeles. He now lends his time and years of experience to Field of BIG Dreams to advance our mission.
Flint Drake grew up on an Iowa farm, graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law, and is now the principal in Drake Law Firm, PC, a boutique law firm based in Dubuque and focused on real estate development, complex transaction structuring, business and banking law and estate planning and probate. Flint has served on many non-profit boards in the Dubuque area. As the father of three boys he was, as with many of us, drawn to the story and mystique of the Field of Dreams site. As the grandson and nephew of veterans, he was also drawn to the hope and inspiration of the mission of Field of BIG Dreams - and the vision of Frank Thomas. He is proud to serve on the board of an organization dedicated to improving the lives of pediatric cancer patients and US veterans.
Frank Thomas, nicknamed "the Big Hurt", is a first ballot baseball Hall of Famer, two-time American League Most Valuable Player, and five-time American League All-Star who spent the majority of his illustrious professional baseball career playing for the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays. In addition to his incredible professional career and numerous achievements, Frank is also an accomplished business executive and currently serves as CEO of This Is Heaven LLC, which owns Field of Dreams the movie site. Off the field, Frank has dedicated much of his time to helping others through organizations including The Frank Thomas Charitable Foundation and countless other initiatives. His own experience in losing his young sister to pediatric cancer, as well as his admiration for those who serve our country, has inspired him to serve in his newest role, Board Chair, for Field of BIG Dreams.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Executive Director of Dyersville Industries, Inc
Jacque Rahe serves as the Executive Director of Dyersville Industries, Inc., d.b.a. Dyersville Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), a private non-profit organization that facilitates the economic development activities for the community. She has been in this role since the early 90's, starting as the Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director after the Field of Dreams movie's release and securing the first Field of Dreams licensing agreement with Universal Studios. Jacque is proud to serve on the FOBD Board of Directors, with the mission of the organization being close to her heart as her late father was permanently disabled in WWII. As a mother of four children and grandmother to seven, Jacque also holds a special place in her heart for the children and families we serve.
Keith Rahe is lifelong resident of Dubuque County and has served as a community leader throughout the region, holding positions in tourism and economic development. Keith serves as President & CEO of Travel Dubuque, and has also been involved with the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, Iowa, founding and managing its world-famous Ghost Players. Keith has been essential to leading, coordinating, and producing events that have taken place over the last three decades, including international Ghost Players tours, MLB at the Field of Dreams, Team of Dreams, Beyond the Game, America's River Festival, the Dubuque Grand Excursion, and RAGBRAI. Currently, Keith serves on the boards for Upper Midwest Convention & Visitors Bureau (UMCVB), Iowa Tourism Industry Partners (ITIP), This Is Iowa Ballpark, Inc., and other organizations across the state of Iowa. Most recently, he has joined the board for Field of BIG Dreams as a way to make a positive, lasting impact in the lives of children with cancer, veterans, and their families.
Rick Heidner is an avid baseball fan and Chicago area real estate developer and entrepreneur. Through Go The Distance LLC, Rick was an initial investor with the late Denise Stillman in the Field of Dreams Movie Site, and is passionate about fulfilling her dream for developing the property into a world class destination for those who love baseball. In addition, Rick and his family have supported a number of charitable organizations through the years, including The Anthony Rizzo Foundation and Shelter Inc. Today, Rick serves on the Field of BIG Dreams Board of Directors to utilize his experience and passion for helping others so that children and veterans can find hope and resources needed to fuel their own dreams.