DISTINGUISHED FELLOW

Vice Admiral Robert L. Thomas, Jr. (USN Ret.) brings nearly four decades of senior U.S. Navy experience to our Center, from commanding naval forces across the Indo-Pacific to shaping strategic policy at the highest levels of the Joint Staff and Navy leadership. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley (B.S., Civil Engineering) and the National War College (M.A., National Security Studies), VADM Thomas served as a career submarine officer, with many notable positions including Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet in the Western Pacific.

Since retiring from the Navy, VADM Thomas has served as a Professor of Practice and Lecturer at UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy, teaching courses in Strategic Studies, Foreign Policy Decision Making, and Military History.

At the Center, VADM Thomas draws on his operational and policy-making background to mentor our fellows, contribute to our “Defense & National Security” and “Technology & Innovation” programs, and engage publicly on emerging security challenges across the Pacific . His blend of maritime, alliance, and strategic experience aligns directly with our mission to develop ideas and leaders that will shape a secure, prosperous, and cooperative Pacific.

DISTINGUISHED FELLOW

Dr. Margarita Elsa Villarino brings more than four decades of experience as a physician‑epidemiologist to the Center, spanning global tuberculosis research, cross‑border health collaboration, and public health leadership. A graduate of the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Tijuana (M.D.) and San Diego State University (M.P.H., Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Dr. Villarino trained in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemic Intelligence Service and completed her preventive medicine residency at the CDC’s National Center for Infectious Diseases in Atlanta.

During her career at the CDC, Dr. Villarino directed from its inception the Tuberculosis Trials Consortium — the principal federally funded global clinical trial network for new tuberculosis treatments — and authored 78 peer‑reviewed publications that have shaped U.S. and international public health policy. During her six‑year assignment in Mexico City (2013-2019) as the CDC-Mexico’s Secretariat of Health liaison, she led the development and institutionalization of the U.S. Mexico Binational Technical Working Group (BTWG), which continues to serve as the primary mechanism for cross‑border public health coordination between the two countries. She is currently a Professor of Practice in UCSD’s Global Health Programs, where she integrates academic instruction with applied public health practice.

At the Center, Dr. Villarino contributes to our Public Health & Biosecurity program, drawing on her extensive experience in cross‑border health diplomacy, epidemic response, and binational public health governance. She mentors fellows and helps develop community‑centered strategies that strengthen public health capacity and advance population health across the Pacific Hemisphere.

GRADUATE FELLOW

Sarahi is a graduate student at UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy where she is completing her Master’s Degree in Public Policy with concentrations in Inequality & Social Policy and Environmental Policy. She is passionate about environmental justice, gender equality, and fair housing rights.

Her prior experience includes working in the nonprofit sector serving low-income and unhoused communities through counseling, healthcare, harm reduction, and advocacy services. Sarahi holds a B.A. in Political Science and Gender Studies from UCLA.

At the Center, Sarahi leads our strategy development effort to mitigate the public health effects of the Tijuana River sewage crisis.

View Sarahi’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

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.

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.

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.

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

Danielle Brown brings nearly a decade of experience planning and producing events for nonprofit organizations across Southern California. She has led the strategy and execution of programs ranging from educational workshops to large-scale galas, consistently creating impactful experiences.

With extensive experience in event management and stakeholder engagement, Danielle designs mission-driven events that strengthen community connection, deepen supporter engagement, and elevate organizational visibility.

Danielle holds a degree from Point Loma Nazarene University.

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT

Suela Bala is an international development executive with 18 years of experience advancing economic growth, youth development, entrepreneurship, and governance across South Asia, the Western Balkans, and East Africa. Her work focuses on strengthening economic systems and building resilient cross-sector partnerships in complex environments.

She previously served as an Economic Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, managing high-visibility federal grant portfolios, coordinating interagency initiatives, and advancing U.S. economic and public diplomacy priorities. Earlier, she was Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement of Albania and held senior leadership roles with Save the Children in Albania.

She has advised USAID, UNDP, and UNICEF on program design and strategic planning and holds a degree in physics education from Middle East Technical University in Turkey and a graduate certificate in Humanitarian Leadership from Deakin University in Australia.

DIRECTOR OF NON-RESIDENT PROGRAMS

Brandon Patterson is a historian and strategic analyst with experience advising government and private-sector clients on issues of maritime security, nuclear policy, and great-power competition. His work focuses on applying historical insight to contemporary strategic and policy challenges.

He previously served as an advisor to Baron Public Affairs and is the Founder and President of Athena Strategic Policy, a geopolitical consultancy serving government and private-sector clients. Brandon has led and contributed to applied research initiatives examining sea power, military strategy, and the strategic implications of emerging technologies.

He holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from the University of California, San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy.

MANAGING EDITOR

Helena Parker is an editor with experience working for consultants serving government and private sector clients. She is a cultural historian with a keen eye for merging aesthetics with substance and providing visual intrigue to written communication. Helena holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from San Diego State University.

At the Center, Helena manages the Center’s editorial and peer review processes. She is responsible for the Center’s published outputs.