Children’s Paradise COO Lona Seitz Named Finalist for San Diego Business Journal’s 2026 Indispensables Award
The Indispensables award recognizes exceptional professionals whose leadership, expertise, and dedication make them essential to the success of their organizations and the communities they serve.
For more than 25 years, Seitz has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of Children’s Paradise. As Chief Operating Officer, she oversees operational strategy, finance, organizational development, compliance, systems innovation, and long-term planning, helping ensure the organization continues to expand while remaining focused on its mission of serving children and families.
Under Seitz’s operational leadership, Children’s Paradise has grown by more than 300 percent and now serves nearly 2,500 families throughout San Diego County. She has helped secure more than $50 million in state funding for early education, expanded access to quality childcare in communities across North County, and developed the operational systems that continue to support the organization’s future growth.
“Lona has an extraordinary gift for turning vision into reality,” said Julie Lowen, Founder and CEO of Children’s Paradise. “She leads with intelligence, humility, and unwavering integrity, always asking how we can better serve children, families, and our communities. This recognition is a reflection of the remarkable difference she makes every single day.”
Beyond Children’s Paradise, Seitz serves on the Child Care and Development Planning Council and works with EveryChild California to help advance policies that strengthen early education statewide. She also mentors business students through California State University San Marcos, helping prepare the next generation of leaders.
