Paula Digerness

Speaker
SDSU
Bio
Paula Digerness is the Executive Director of Carlsbad by the Sea, a continuing care retirement community in Carlsbad that serves more than 225 residents. With over 25 years of leadership experience in senior living, she brings extensive expertise in operations, marketing, and performance excellence. Paula has served as an examiner for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award through the National Institute of Standards and Technology and was previously recognized for leading one of Fortune Magazine’s “Best Places to Work in Aging Services.”
She holds a master’s degree in long-term care administration from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Social Work at USC, further deepening her commitment to advancing the well-being of older adults.
A native of Iowa and longtime California resident, Paula is passionate about fostering community, connection, and quality of life for seniors.
