Douglas Garcia 2007
Born in San Miguel, El Salvador, Douglas was the youngest of five Garcia brothers who came to the United States in search of opportunity. Doug followed a strong family tradition of recognizing the value of hard work and education. His father worked first as a dishwasher, then chef, and later opened his own family restaurant where Doug and his brothers helped out when they were not studying.
All five Garcia brothers attended Alexandria City Public Schools and all five received awards from The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria. In 1997, after receiving an Advanced Studies diploma from T.C. Williams, Doug matriculated at Northern Virginia Community College, and, in 1999, transferred to James Madison University, where he received bachelor’s degree in political science and international affairs with a concentration in Latin America.
Upon graduation, he began working as Executive Assistant to Lt. Governor Tim Kaine, where his primary role was to analyze policy issues and track legislation during the General Assembly Session. He facilitated the Lt. Governor’s mission to visit a school in every city and county in the Commonwealth to improve state partnerships with the local K-12 systems.
After his election as Governor in 2005, Tim Kaine appointed Doug to the position of Assistant Secretary of Education. Doug works with the Start Strong Council to expand pre-kindergarten to all 4-year-olds in the Commonwealth. He also closely monitors educational legislation affecting K-12 and higher education systems. As Assistant Secretary of Education, Doug Garcia is working hard to expand the educational opportunities for all of the young people in our community.
T.C. Williams Class of 1997
A.A., Northern Virginia Community College, 1999
B.A., Political Science, International Affairs, James Madison University, 2002
