Douglas was born in Alexandria, Virginia, attended Gonzaga High School, and received a Masters Degree from American University in 1971. During his long career in journalism, Douglas worked as a reporter for The Washington Post, The Washington Star, and the Washington Times. He served as managing editor for Annapolitan Magazine, consulting editor for Inside Annapolis Magazine, and as a senior writer and editor for Catholic University. Douglas also taught at American University, Anne Arundel Community College and, more recently, Lord Fairfax Community College.
