Born in Carson City, Nevada, Doug faithfully attended the Presbyterian Church his whole life. His Grandfather was Presbyterian Pastor, and his Father was Music Director at Carson City's Presbyterian Church. Doug attended University of Nevada-Reno, where he majored in History and minored in English Literature and Geography. He worked in a Nevada Casino for 2 years as Casino Auditor. He then worked as a Travel Agent for three years, coordinating travel and tours around the world. In 1983, he began his studies at Princeton Theological Seminary. He graduated in 1986 and answered a call to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina, where he served as an Associate Pastor for 4 years. While there, he met and married his wife, Jean. He served as Solo Pastor at College Drive Presbyterian Church in New Concord, Ohio for 10 years. In 2001, Doug answered the call at Allen Park Presbyterian Church.

Doug and his wife, Jean, have three boys: Andrew, Christopher and Daniel.