SEBA Announces New Executive Director

Lolita Harper, SEBA Executive Director

Lolita Harper speaks during a 2016 rally outside the San Bernardino County Government Center pushing for higher pay for sheriff’s deputies.

Harper graduated the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy, Class 161, in 2005 and spent 10 years with the Department.

The Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Association (SEBA) has announced the appointment of Lolita Harper to the position of Executive Director.

Harper holds a B.A. from the University of Southern California and worked for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for 10 years. She was hired by SEBA in 2016 to enhance the organization’s public relations and government affairs.  As the new SEBA Executive Director, Harper will manage the operations of the organization and strategically work to implement the goals and objectives outlined by the Board of Directors.

“Lolita brings a deep commitment to our profession and the people we serve,” said SEBA President Grant Ward, who is a sergeant with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. “She knows our members and what is important to them because she was a member herself. She also brings extensive experience in communications, public policy, government relations and community relations, which made her the clear choice this important role.”

Harper was raised in Southern California and is a proud resident of San Bernardino County. After graduating from USC in 2000, Harper worked as a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times and The San Bernardino Sun newspapers covering public safety and local government. In 2005, Harper graduated the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy, Class 161, and began her work as a deputy sheriff.  During her 10 years with the department, she promoted to the rank of detective and specialized in Community Relations, Public Affairs, Media Relations, Diversity Training, Crisis Intervention and investigations.

“The leadership of the SEBA Executive Board and Board of Directors has prompted a lot of growth and progress in the organization,” Harper said. “I’m extremely proud to have been a part of many milestones in my five years working at SEBA. Looking forward, I want to continue to improve and better serve our membership, the profession, and our community.  I am excited to have a greater role in helping shape the direction of the organization.”

SEBA is the Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Association proudly representing 3,800 public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946.