Who is Jack O'Koren from Dreamland and what is their importance?

Jack O'Koren is Caitlin and Cass' father. He is employed as the dean of students at a nearby university. Jack is fiercely committed to his family, and he is devastated when Cass runs away from home. He pleads with authorities to bring her back, though at eighteen, she legally has the right to do what she wants.