Doug Dowie, the former GM of Fleishman Hillard/ Los Angeles who has battled charges of over billing for more than four years, has established DRD Consulting.
He has lined up clients in the international energy, construction management, real estate, entertainment and public affairs sectors.
Dowie also provides pro bono service to “LA’s BEST,” an after-school enrichment program, and other non-profits geared to helping disadvantaged children.
“For obvious reasons, it hasn’t been easy to build a business, but I’ve worked with some great companies and wonderful people,” Dowie told O’Dwyers. “Starting a firm was the next logical step.”
Doug Dowie |
Dowie has written two screenplays, “Anonymous Sources” and “Conflict of Interest.” Academy Award-winning producer Jonathon Sanger, a partner in Grand Illusions Entertainment, optioned “Anonymous Sources.”
The PR pro was convicted in May ‘06 of causing the over billing of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and other clients and was sentenced to three and half years in prison.
In 2007, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted Dowie’s motion to remain free and stated, “The appeal raises a ‘substantial question’ of law or fact that is likely to result in reversal, an order for a new trial, or a sentence that does not include a term of imprisonment, on all counts on which imprisonment has been imposed.”
Dowie wrote about his experiences for the legal magazine Lawdragon.
It could be another year before the Appeals Court makes a ruling.
“That would be nearly six years since I left FH under a cloud,” Dowie said. “I’m very optimistic that I will eventually clear my name and get my life back, but it’s taking a very long time.”
Prior to joining FH in 1991, Dowie, a decorated Marine sergeant who served in Vietnam in 1968, was the UPI bureau manager in Los Angeles, managing editor of the Los Angeles Daily News and a senior aide to former Assemblyman Richard Katz, a one-time Democratic Minority Leader.
Dowie can be reached at dougdowie [at] aol.com or 310/498-4818. |