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our team

Travel Dubuque's team is made up of tourism advocates who are passionate about sharing the story of #WhereIowaStarted.

Tap to shuffle through and meet our team.

Portrait of Keith Rahe

Keith Rahe

President & CEO

Keith Rahe

Industry quick facts

Years In
Tourism

36

Years at
Travel Dubuque

19

Rate from 1-10

Creativity
8
Event Planning Skills
10
Morning Mood
8
Industry Knowledge
1,000,000,000,000

Keith Rahe

Personal Fun Facts
Favorite Sports Team
Chicago Cubs
Favorite food in
Dubuque County
Caeser Salad with Chicken
Favorite Concert
Too many to name
Favorite
Season
Autumn
Go To
Weekend Plans

Taking my boat out on Lake Delhi or spending time with my grandkids.

Subject of
superior
knowledge

General knowledge of history

Keith Rahe

In my own words
Portrait of Keith Rahe

I'm charged with the overall management and oversight of both Travel Dubuque and Dyersville Events, leading the vision, strategy, and day-to-day operations for both organizations. I've been involved with tourism for over 30 years, getting my start with the Field of Dreams. My experience spans event coordination both here in the U.S. and abroad, including MLB at Field of Dreams, Ghost Players tours, America's River Festival, and RAGBRAI, to name a few.

Portrait of Sara Hanten

Sara Hanten

Vice President of Operations

Sara Hanten

Industry quick facts

Years In
Tourism

23

Years at
Travel Dubuque

23

Rate from 1-10

Creativity
8
Event Planning Skills
9
Morning Mood
7
Industry Knowledge
1,000,000,000,000

Sara Hanten

Personal Fun Facts
Favorite Sports Team
Chicago Bears
Favorite food in
Dubuque County
Drunken Noodles at Lina's
Favorite Concert
Brother's Osbourne at the Q Casino Backwater Stage
Favorite
Season
Autumn
Go To
Weekend Plans

Exploring the tri-states, concerts at the Q Casino, toting my sports loving son to whatever sport he’s playing or forcing my kids to have family fun before we are not cool enough to hang with (which I think has already happened)!

Subject of
superior
knowledge

Where to find the best deals and coupon codes!

Sara Hanten

In my own words
Portrait of Sara Hanten

My focus is to direct, coordinate, and oversee operational processes. Day to day you'll find me performing tasks from accounts payable to human resources to helping colleagues with IT issues or being the Jack of All Trades. One of my favorite things about working here is your input is always valued and heard! More to know: Vice President of the Schmitt Island Development Corporation, Board Member of the Peosta Community Centre, Dwelling Custodian for my two kids and husband.

Portrait of Julie Kronlage

Julie Kronlage

Vice President of Sales & Sports

Julie Kronlage

Industry quick facts

Years In
Tourism

23

Years at
Travel Dubuque

18

Rate from 1-10

Creativity
9
Event Planning Skills
10
Morning Mood
9
Industry Knowledge
1,000,000,000,000

Julie Kronlage

Personal Fun Facts
Favorite Sports Team
Iowa Hawkeyes
Favorite food in
Dubuque County
Smile High Nachos at 7 Hills 
Favorite Concert
Morgan Whalen at Lincoln Field
Favorite
Season
Autumn
Go To
Weekend Plans

Watching our kids play ball, golfing, riding bikes on the Heritage Trail, or swimming.

Subject of
superior
knowledge

I think many would say that I probably know the most odd and random facts about our area and State!

Julie Kronlage

In my own words
Portrait of Julie Kronlage

I lead sales efforts for conventions, meetings, sports, group tours, riverboats, SMERF and more. With 20+ years in Dubuque-area tourism, I love connecting people with our community, creating memorable experiences and showing planners why Dubuque is a great place to bring their people. I also serve on the Boards of Directors for United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States and Iowa Travel Industry Partners, championing our community and Iowa’s tourism industry.

Portrait of Taylor Kellogg

Taylor Kellogg

Vice President of Marketing

Taylor Kellogg

Industry quick facts

Years In
Tourism

16

Years at
Travel Dubuque

16

Rate from 1-10

Creativity
10
Event Planning Skills
7
Morning Mood
5
Industry Knowledge
1,000,000,000,000

Taylor Kellogg

Personal Fun Facts
Favorite Sports Team
Whichever one my son is playing for at the moment.
Favorite food in
Dubuque County
Drunken Noodles at Lina's
Favorite Concert
Regina Spektor at the Chicago Theater
Favorite
Season
Autumn
Go To
Weekend Plans

Stopping at a local shop, dinner out, and time with family.

Subject of
superior
knowledge

Quoting TV Shows and Movies.

Taylor Kellogg

In my own words
Portrait of Taylor Kellogg

My marketing roots started in graphic design and it still shows up in everything I do - from keeping our brand consistent (and fun!) across every platform, to making sure "For Places Like This" marketing campaign looks as good as it performs. Some days I'm focused on rolling out advertising, other days I'm strategizing our next big idea, but there's always a Diet Coke within arm's reach. My favorite part of this job is the freedom to be creative and watch off-the-wall ideas come to life.

Portrait of Becky Carkeek

Becky Carkeek

Sales Manager

Becky Carkeek

Industry quick facts

Years In
Tourism

11

Years at
Travel Dubuque

11

Rate from 1-10

Creativity
9
Event Planning Skills
8
Morning Mood
3
Industry Knowledge
1,000,000,000,000

Becky Carkeek

Personal Fun Facts
Favorite Sports Team
Chicago Cubs
Favorite food in
Dubuque County
Hot Spaghetti at Marcos
Favorite Concert
Luke Combs in Nashville
Favorite
Season
Summer
Go To
Weekend Plans

Play pickleball, get ice cream from Dairy Queen on Rhomberg, and ride bikes on the Heritage Trail.

Subject of
superior
knowledge

Where to get lunch.

Becky Carkeek

In my own words
Portrait of Becky Carkeek

I assist in planning and executing group tours, reunions, and other large groups. Day to day I'm chatting with planners, creating itineraries, and finalizing book group plans. I'm an unapologetic lover of Diet Coke, and my creativity and leadership recently earned me a Groups Today Next Gen 2026 honor. Dubuque has also been recognized as an Emerging Group Travel Destination in 2024 and a 2025 Reader's Choice finalist for Top CVB by Groups Today.

Portrait of Willie Tigges

Willie Tigges

Content Marketing Manager

Willie Tigges

Industry quick facts

Years In
Tourism

4

Years at
Travel Dubuque

4

Rate from 1-10

Creativity
10
Event Planning Skills
7
Morning Mood
1
Industry Knowledge
1,000,000,000,000

Willie Tigges

Personal Fun Facts
Favorite Sports Team
Any team that serves snacks and drinks.
Favorite food in
Dubuque County
Yummy Roll & Fried Rice at Ichiban
Favorite Concert
WAY too many to list!
Favorite
Season
Autumn
Go To
Weekend Plans

Grabbing an iced coffee from Monks, Farmers' Market, shopping on Bluff St. & a ride up the Fenelon Place Elevator!

Subject of
superior
knowledge

Random Dubuque history! (Did you know Abraham Lincoln's 4th cousin twice removed lived in my house?)

Willie Tigges

In my own words
Portrait of Willie Tigges

My goal is to promote Dubuque and all it's hidden gems as the FANTASTIC destination I know it to be. My day to day consists of managing social media, website, articles, photos, video, and more. My favorite thing about working for Travel Dubuque is getting to flex my creative muscles in every way possible!

Autumn Becker

Partnerships Marketing Manager

Autumn Becker

Industry quick facts

Years In
Tourism

4

Years at
Travel Dubuque

<1

Rate from 1-10

Creativity
10
Event Planning Skills
7
Morning Mood
3
Industry Knowledge
1,000,000,000,000

Autumn Becker

Personal Fun Facts
Favorite Sports Team
Iowa Hawkeyes
Favorite food in
Dubuque County
El Paisano's
Favorite Concert
Ozzy Osbourne x2
Favorite
Season
Summer
Go To
Weekend Plans

Live music, thrift shopping, being outside, and time with family/friends

Subject of
superior
knowledge

Music & Pop Culture

Autumn Becker

In my own words
Portrait of Autumn Becker

As the Partnerships Marketing Manager at Travel Dubuque, I work closely with the Field of Dreams Movie Site to promote the destination, events, tournaments, and visitor experience. My role includes social media, website updates, photography, signage, event promotion, sponsorship activation, and creating content that helps tell the Field of Dreams story. I enjoy the creative side of marketing and being part of the planning that helps create a great visitor experience. Getting to do that at a place where dreams come true makes it pretty special.

Portrait of Michelle Rahe

Michelle Rahe

Director of Guest Services

Michelle Rahe

Industry quick facts

Years In
Tourism

5

Years at
Travel Dubuque

5

Rate from 1-10

Creativity
6
Event Planning Skills
8
Morning Mood
1
Industry Knowledge
1,000,000,000,000

Michelle Rahe

Personal Fun Facts
Favorite Sports Team
Chicago Cubs
Favorite food in
Dubuque County
Chad's Pizza in Dyersville
Favorite Concert
Garth Brooks
Favorite
Season
Autumn
Go To
Weekend Plans

Going to the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Grand Opera House, or the Iowa State Fair. I have gone for over 35 years.

Subject of
superior
knowledge

Ich spreche ein bisschen Deutsch. (I speak a little German.)

Michelle Rahe

In my own words
Portrait of Michelle Rahe

As manager of the Welcome Center, I help visitors find their way around the Dubuque area and the state of Iowa. I love meeting people from all over the world who travel to Dubuque for many different reasons. 99.9% of them are in a great mood since they are on vacation. I grew up on a farm outside of Dyersville so it is especially fun to tell people about the Field of Dreams, the Basilica of Saint Francis Xavier, and all the cool things to see and do in Dubuque County.

Portrait of Tyler Daugherty

Tyler Daugherty

General Manager, Field of Dreams Ballpark

Tyler Daugherty

Industry quick facts

Years In
Tourism

13

Years at
Travel Dubuque

10

Rate from 1-10

Creativity
7
Event Planning Skills
9
Morning Mood
10
Industry Knowledge
1,000,000,000,000

Tyler Daugherty

Personal Fun Facts
Favorite Sports Team
Iowa Hawkeyes & 1997 Chicago Bulls
Favorite food in
Dubuque County
Copper Kettle Pulled Pork Nachos and Greek Salad, no olives and extra feta balls.  
Favorite Concert
Team of Dreams
Favorite
Season
Spring
Go To
Weekend Plans

Family hike and hang.

Subject of
superior
knowledge

Useless movie quotes.

Tyler Daugherty

In my own words
Portrait of Tyler Daugherty

I am the GM of the FOD Ballpark. I'm responsible for the overall leadership, operations, and financial performance of the ballpark. 

Portrait of Noah Westhoff

Noah Westhoff

Director of Programming, Field of Dreams

Noah Westhoff

Industry quick facts

Years In
Tourism

4

Years at
Travel Dubuque

4

Rate from 1-10

Creativity
9
Event Planning Skills
10
Morning Mood
9
Industry Knowledge
1,000,000,000,000

Noah Westhoff

Personal Fun Facts
Favorite Sports Team
Iowa Hawkeyes
Favorite food in
Dubuque County
Enchiladas Monterrey at Mixteca Grill
Favorite Concert
Eric Church Heart & Soul Tour in Des Moines 2022
Favorite
Season
Autumn
Go To
Weekend Plans

Going swimming and getting ice cream.

Subject of
superior
knowledge

I can organize everything and anything.

Noah Westhoff

In my own words
Portrait of Noah Westhoff

I provide logistical and event support for the Field of Dreams and This is Iowa Ballpark. You can find me creating, planning, or working events. My favorite memory from working at Travel Dubuque is the watching the USA Patriots walk out of the corn at the Field of Dreams. I'm a recent graduate from the University of Iowa (Go Hawks!), enjoy traversing the world, and am a superhero movie buff!

Portrait of John Sutter

John Sutter

Vice President of Fundraising and Education, Field of Dreams

John Sutter

Industry quick facts

Years In
Tourism

16

Years at
Travel Dubuque

4

Rate from 1-10

Creativity
8
Event Planning Skills
8
Morning Mood
6
Industry Knowledge
1,000,000,000,000

John Sutter

Personal Fun Facts
Favorite Sports Team
Field of Dreams Ghost Players
Favorite food in
Dubuque County
Numero Dos a Los Aztecas
Favorite Concert
Fleetwood Mac
Favorite
Season
Summer
Go To
Weekend Plans

Bike Camping

Subject of
superior
knowledge

Seinfeld.

John Sutter

In my own words
Portrait of John Sutter

I oversee the fundraising and eduction efforts of the Field of Dreams Movie Site and This is Iowa Ballpark. My favorite memory is from when I worked at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium I served as the Travel Dubuque board chair so at one time I was my current boss's boss! I also once opened an aquarium with no fish in it and made national news. I'm a board member of the Dubuque Area Triathlon Club and received baseball advice from Hall of Famer Lee Smith.

Portrait of Allie Mormann

Allie Mormann

Food & Beverage Director, Field of Dreams

Allie Mormann

Industry quick facts

Years In
Tourism

1

Years at
Travel Dubuque

1

Rate from 1-10

Creativity
5
Event Planning Skills
10
Morning Mood
6
Industry Knowledge
1,000,000,000,000

Allie Mormann

Personal Fun Facts
Favorite Sports Team
Iowa State Cyclones
Favorite food in
Dubuque County
Chad's Pizza in Dyersville
Favorite Concert
21 Pilots
Favorite
Season
Summer
Go To
Weekend Plans

On the weekends, I enjoy exploring new places in Iowa & Illinois with my family & friends.

Subject of
superior
knowledge

Anything to do with catering, food & beverage operations, and hospitality.

Allie Mormann

In my own words
Portrait of Allie Mormann

As the Food & Beverage Director, I oversee the food and beverage operations for the This Is Iowa Ballpark and the new youth tournament complex in Dyersville, Iowa. My role involves managing the day-to-day operations of concessions and catering, for baseball games, tournaments, special events, and other activities held throughout the facility. I have 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, with a background in hospitality, catering, event operations, sales, and concessions. I enjoy sampling new trendy ballpark items and working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, particularly within a ballpark setting.

Portrait of Carrie Koelker

Carrie Koelker

Vice President of Community Engagement

Carrie Koelker

Industry quick facts

Years In
Tourism

33

Years at
Travel Dubuque

4

Rate from 1-10

Creativity
5
Event Planning Skills
7
Morning Mood
4
Industry Knowledge
1,000,000,000,000

Carrie Koelker

Personal Fun Facts
Favorite Sports Team
New York Yankees
Favorite food in
Dubuque County
Brazen's Jalapeno Margarita!
Favorite Concert
Jimmy Buffett
Favorite
Season
Summer
Go To
Weekend Plans

Anywhere near the water! Love the Mississippi River, it's so calming

Subject of
superior
knowledge

Great locations to eat in our neighboring counties! The left side of the menu is my favorite!

Carrie Koelker

In my own words
Portrait of Carrie Koelker

My overall focus is to execute partnerships and build our brand within the region. Day to day you can find me visiting with our people and places. My favorite part is working with passionate team members! I serve on the Iowa Tourism Industry Partners Board, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, and the Dyersville Area Community Foundation. In my spare time I serve in the Iowa Senate championing tourism, economic development, and enhancing Iowa.

Portrait of Eric Manson

Eric Manson

Riverboat Liason

Eric Manson

In my own words
Portrait of Eric Manson

My name is Eric and I am the Riverboat Liaison, welcoming cruise ships into the Port of Dubuque. Day to day I help our U.S. and international riverboat guests with their itineraries and exploration of where Iowa started, serving as a portside concierge and interpretive guide.

Portrait of Marv Maiers

Marv Maiers

Brochure Distribution

Marv Maiers

In my own words
Portrait of Marv Maiers

My name is Marv and I serve as the facilitator of brochure distribution and distribute visitor information across the Tri-State area. I've been working with Travel Dubuque since 2016.

Portrait of Scott Heicken

Scott Heicken

Welcome Center Associate

Scott Heicken

In my own words
Portrait of Scott Heicken

My name is Scott and I assist travelers as they plan and navigate Dubuque by providing information and positive experiences. I've been with the Welcome Center since 2024.

Portrait of Chris Wagner

Chris Wagner

Welcome Center Associate

Chris Wagner

In my own words
Portrait of Chris Wagner

My name is Chris and I assist travelers as they plan and navigate Dubuque by providing information and positive experiences. I've been with the Welcome Center since 2025.

Board of Directors

This nine-person board meets monthly to discuss the progress and vision of Travel Dubuque.

Mick Michel

Harley Pothoff

Tom Wagner

Wendy Runde

Connie Hodge

Mayor Brad Cavanagh

Mark Wahlert

Mike Van Milligen

Chris Staver

Step-On Guides

This team helps welcome guests into the community from group tours, riverboats, and more!

Mary Schmit

Janell Radloff

Jeff Jochum

Gerda Preston-Hartman

Ellen Sandberg-Shook

Colleen Myers

Nelson Klavitter

Dee Leicht

Jan Powers

Kevin Firnstahl