Executive Leadership and Interim Board of Directors

  • Professional headshot of Blaine Worthington, Founder and Executive Director, a smiling man with short dark hair, wearing a light gray suit and a checkered dress shirt, against a gray background.

    Blaine Worthington

    FOUNDER, PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Blaine graduated from the US Naval Academy and served as a Logistics Officer in the US Marine Corps, where he focused on building and sustaining key alliances across the Pacific.

    He has since held leadership roles in law enforcement, infrastructure construction, and defense acquisitions. He is completing graduate studies in International Affairs at UCSD’s School of Global Policy and Strategy, where his work centers on Pacific strategy and security.

    At the Center, Blaine leads vision, strategy, and external partnerships.

  • Headshot of Chris Capistron, Director of Programs, a smiling man with dark hair wearing a blue suit jacket and light blue dress shirt against a dark background.

    Chris Capistron

    VICE PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

    Chris served for 24 years as an aviator in the US Air Force, with multiple overseas tours in the Pacific, Latin America, and Afghanistan, including roles in Special Operations, Nuclear Security, and Operational Readiness.

    He holds an undergraduate degree in Geography and a graduate degree in International Affairs from UCSD’s School of Global Policy and Strategy.

    At the Center, Chris oversees programs and convenings that connect leaders across sectors and regions.

  • Headshot of Tauri Smith, Director of Business Operations, a smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a gray blazer and white top against a gray background.

    Tauri Smith

    TREASURER & DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS

    Tauri brings over a decade of experience in defense acquisitions and program management, having served as both a DoD civilian and industry leader.

    She has managed complex budgets and schedules across a range of strategic defense programs. She holds an MBA from Champlain College and a degree in Chemical Engineering from CSU Long Beach.

    At the Center, Tauri directs operations, finance, and organizational growth.

Our Staff

  • Professional Headshot of Connor Doyle.

    Connor Doyle

    DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

    As Director of Communications, Connor leads the Center’s media strategy and public engagement efforts, advancing its mission to position San Diego as a key hub for Pacific strategy and innovation.

    A former U.S. Navy Operations Specialist and Tactical Air Controller, he deployed multiple times throughout the Indo-Pacific and later supported Department of the Navy acquisition programs as a consultant. He has also held roles in healthcare, venture capital, and communications, and serves as a credentialed sports writer and Co-Editor for The Hockey News Los Angeles.

    Connor holds a B.A. in International Development Studies from UCLA and is completing a Master’s in International Affairs at UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy, where his studies focus on Pacific security.