Career Roadmap
Doug's work combines: Politics, Government, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
First, make commitments before you get into the situation. Before I ran for office, I made commitments to myself about what I would always stand for and what I would never do. Once you get into the situation, it's easier to justify doing other things—make the commitments beforehand. Second, define what success looks like. Is it winning? Being in the newspaper? Changing the budget? Third, find people who knew you before you got into the political position. They'll help stay you true to yourself.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Economics, Political Science
Emory University
Graduate Degree
Theology and Public Policy
Harvard Divinity School
Graduate Degree
Domestic Politics
Harvard Kennedy School
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
I was born in a very rural town in Arkansas with essentially no diversity—I quickly realized that the rest of the country wasn’t like that, which inspired me to explore.
2.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Emory University.
3.
After college, I started my career in economics building product profitability models before going to graduate school.
4.
I earned a Master of Theological Studies in theology and public policy from Harvard Divinity School as well as a Master of Public Policy in domestic politics from Harvard Kennedy School.
5.
When I came to Atlanta, I really delved into civil rights history and Dr. King’s legacy.
6.
I helped lead the efforts to build the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
7.
I worked as the president and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center, the largest arts center in the city and third largest in the country.
8.
I now serve as the City Council President for the City of Atlanta, overseeing the overall operations of the City Council.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
What's someone like you doing in this position?
How I responded:
I've been asked often how a white cis male like myself ended up in my position. I don't really see it as Noise. It's a fair question that needs to be answered. It's important for people to know how I will be contributing and impacting the community. It's important for people to know if you've really done the work or if you're just parachuting it. Make sure your values and intentions are in the right place. If you're in this for the work, you need to be in it for the long-term.