Doug grew up in Virginia Beach and began surfing at a young age. At age 18, he traveled to the Philippines for a medical mission with Operation Smile and a love for travel and helping those less fortunate grew from there. For the last 20 years, Doug has worked in leadership roles within biotech Research and Development helping advance new therapies for the most challenging diseases. During that time and between surf trips all over the globe, he was involved with Life Rolls On, Surfer’s Healing and Mauli Ola and witnessed the amazing healing power of the ocean and surf therapy. He leveraged his network in healthcare to initiate a series of surf therapy events for those with rare diseases called Rare Surfs. Waves for Change was born to connect the surf therapy communities globally, provide a platform to promote and increase the number of events available to participants and to help raise funds and awareness for the positive change individuals can make helping others catch waves.
