The D1 Team

Paul Worlie – Chief of Staff

Paul Worlie brings more than 20 years of experience in government, communications, and executive management at the local, state, and federal levels. He has served in senior advisory roles, including as an advisor to the Chief Administrative Officer at the County of San Diego, Chief of Staff to a San Diego County Supervisor, and as an advisor to former U.S. Senate Majority Leaders Harry Reid and Tom Daschle. Most recently, he led The Worlie Group, a public affairs firm that supported nonprofits, health care organizations, labor organizations and public agencies in advancing strategic initiatives and building effective partnerships across multiple sectors. Paul lives with his family in unincorporated San Diego County.

paul.worlie@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Aida Castañeda – Deputy Chief of Staff

Aida Castañeda brings over a decade of experience supporting successful campaigns and advancing equity-driven policy throughout San Diego County. She played key roles on the election campaigns of Supervisor Paloma Aguirre and Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, and has worked in government and advocacy to move progressive change forward. Aida previously served as Political Director to Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, where she helped lead efforts to pass landmark public health and workers’ rights legislation, including banning flavored tobacco sales in San Diego and Chula Vista. She also founded her own consulting firm supporting labor, local governments, and community organizations. Born and raised in Barrio Logan and now living in National City, Aida is a proud South County native who remains deeply committed to empowering underserved communities.

aida.castaneda@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Lyle Pavuk – Director of Policy

Lyle Pavuk is a healthcare professional turned public servant with deep commitments to advancing social justice, health promotion, and environmental sustainability. He holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Adolescent/Young Adult Education. He has also received advanced education in Population Health Management and Health Promotion. Lyle’s policy focuses include optimizing healthcare access and quality, homelessness solutions, affordable housing, health promotion, and advancing independence for seniors and people with disabilities. Lyle lives in Imperial Beach and remains dedicated to making San Diego County healthier, more equitable, and affordable for all residents.

lyle.pavuk@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Paola Martinez Montes – Director of Community Engagement

Paola Martinez-Montes is a longtime advocate for racial, social, and economic justice across San Diego County. She most recently served as Tribal Administrator for the Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and previously served as Senior Advisor and Director of Community Engagement at the County Board of Supervisors. Her past leadership roles include directing the Invest in San Diego Families Coalition at the Center on Policy Initiatives and leading the San Diego chapter of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), where she secured millions in public investment in underserved neighborhoods. Paola is an alumna of the HOPE Leadership Institute, a former Chair of the Chula Vista Human Relations Commission, and a recipient of the 2018 Flip the Script Truth to Power Award. Paola is known for her deep community ties and impact-driven leadership. She lives in Chula Vista.

paola.martinez-montes@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Diane Castañeda – Director of Communications

Diane Castañeda is a bilingual communications specialist, Diane brings with more than 15 years experience crafting impactful campaigns across the U.S.-Mexico border region. Born and raised in the San Diego–Tijuana region, Diane has a deep understanding of cross-border communities and a strong commitment to uplifting diverse voices. She has worked with nonprofits, campaigns, and small businesses to amplify their impact, most recently with Digital Impact &, where she supported social change initiatives through digital strategy. Earlier in her career, Diane led media and community outreach at WILDCOAST, focusing on public education around California’s marine protected areas. Her work has consistently centered on elevating underrepresented voices and making complex policy issues accessible and relevant to the public. Diane lives in Chula Vista with her two kids and husband.

diane.castaneda@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Brenda Argüelles - Executive Assistant

Brenda Arguelles brings over eight years of dedicated public sector experience in both county and municipal government. She began her public service journey with the County of San Diego, where she spent five years supporting the Behavioral Health Services department. In her role, she provided high-level support to directors and the management team, contributing to critical programs that advanced mental health and wellness across the region. She later transitioned to the City of Imperial Beach, where she served as Executive Assistant to the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager’s Office. Brenda is a resident of San Ysidro.

breanda.arguelles@sdcounty.ca.gov