Richard Downie

Richard Downie, Ph.D. is an experienced leader and internationally recognized expert in international security affairs, foreign policy, and cybersecurity.1 He currently serves as the President & CEO of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council & Town Hall, a position he assumed in March 2024.13

Dr. Downie is also the Managing Director of Delphi Strategic Consulting, LLC, a role he has held since April 2013.1 In this capacity, he provides consulting services focused on international security affairs in Latin America, with emphasis on Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil.1

Some key aspects of Dr. Downie's background include:

1. Over 30 years of experience in leadership, education, and training positions across government, academia, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.1
2. Faculty member at the Thayer Leader Development Group at West Point, New York, since January 2017.12
3. Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations since February 2011.1
4. Former Director of the U.S. Department of Defense's Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies for nine years.2
5. Graduate of the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, with a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Southern California.2

Dr. Downie is known for his expertise in strategic planning, security and defense consulting, leadership training, and organizational consulting.1 He is also a frequent media commentator on international security issues, appearing on outlets such as CNN/E, Univision, Telemundo, and NPR.12