Doug is a first-generation American whose parents came from Tonga in the late 1970s chasing the American Dream. Through their sacrifice, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit, Doug learned that in America, and especially in Utah, opportunity isn’t just a word; it’s something you build. Their example taught him that with determination, anything is possible.
Doug and his wife, Jocelyn, met at Utah State University and built their life in Utah. Jocelyn is a Riverton High School graduate, and Doug is a Bingham High School graduate, former rivals who ended up getting married. They are raising four children, Melolini, Tomenika, Elenoa, and Douglas Jr., and have lived in Riverton, Bluffdale, and now Herriman. Those experiences have given them firsthand insight into the communities and issues across Senate District 18.
Doug grew up in South Jordan, Utah, where he helped lead Bingham High School football to its first state championship in over 60 years. He earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Business Administration from Utah State University, where he also served two terms as Student Body President and led the Utah Student Association, representing 160,000 students before the state legislature. After building real-world experience in the workforce, Doug earned his MBA from Rice University, sharpening the skills he uses every day to drive results in business and public service.
Doug is Vice Chair of the Social Services Appropriations Committee and serves on the Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee and the Government Operations Committee. He also serves on the Utah Cybersecurity Commission and nationally as Co-Chair of the National Taskforce on State AI Policy, and on the National Taskforce on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Privacy, addressing the critical intersections of AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy.
Doug has built a successful career in technology, leading teams across sales, operations, and partnerships at some of the world’s top tech companies, including Workday, Google, and now Domo, where he serves as Head of Partnerships. He is the founder of Raise The Tide, a nonprofit that hosts quarterly events to help small business owners and entrepreneurs grow their careers, businesses, and personal lives. Doug remains deeply connected to his alma mater and currently serves on the Utah State University Foundation Board.
In addition to his work in technology, Doug is the owner of SOJO Construction, a local small business specializing in basement finishing and home remodels. The name SOJO honors South Jordan, where Doug’s parents achieved the American Dream—an inspiration that shaped both his family’s journey and his business. Since joining the legislature, Doug has intentionally slowed the company’s operations to focus on public service while continuing to provide quality work for clients. (SOJO Video)
