UC Irvine, Konnect Launch AI Certification for Senior HR Leaders
UC Irvine's Paul Merage School of Business and HR software firm Konnect are launching an executive certification program designed to prepare Chief Human Resources Officers and senior people leaders to guide AI adoption in their organizations. The program, "The Future of HR: AI Strategy & Leadership," runs from July 17 through September 3, 2026, with tuition set at $4,800.
The timing reflects an urgent gap in executive readiness. Industry projections show that by 2026, nearly three-quarters of global executives will need to demonstrate AI literacy for board consideration. Yet fewer than 15% currently feel adequately prepared for this requirement.
Addressing a Skills Deficit
HR technology ranks as a top investment priority across companies, but many executives report they aren't maximizing the value of these tools. The certification targets that disconnect by transforming HR leaders from technology managers into strategic architects who can influence enterprise-wide AI policy.
The curriculum covers the full employee lifecycle: how AI reshapes talent acquisition, performance management, organizational design, and day-to-day employee experience. It also addresses ethical concerns including algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the risk of dehumanizing workplace interactions.
Ian O. Williamson, dean of the Merage School, said the program responds to "one of the most consequential leadership challenges of our time." The goal is to prepare leaders who can architect AI systems in ways that strengthen both organizations and the people within them.
How the Program Works
The certification uses a blended format: weekly virtual sessions with a final in-person session on UC Irvine's campus. This structure accommodates the schedules of senior executives while providing networking opportunities essential for leadership development.
The curriculum was co-developed by Merage faculty and Konnect practitioners, combining academic rigor with real-world expertise. Participants engage in simulations focused on AI implementation and organizational change, allowing them to test solutions to complex scenarios before applying them in their organizations.
Noah Askin, associate professor and faculty director of the Leadership Development Institute, said the program helps leaders "develop the organizational fluency to lead transformation from the inside out." This combination of academic theory and practitioner knowledge distinguishes it from broader AI leadership courses offered at other business schools.
Industry Partnership Model
Konnect founder and CEO Jamie Viramontes said the partnership aligns with the firm's mission to modernize HR. "Together, we're helping HR executives build the confidence, strategic insight, and practical capabilities needed to lead AI transformation in ways that strengthen both business outcomes and employee experience," Viramontes said.
The program emphasizes what Konnect calls "Keeping HR Human™"-balancing efficiency gains from technology with genuine improvements to the employee experience. Participants will develop frameworks for workforce transformation, data-driven decision-making, and fostering effective human-AI collaboration.
For HR leaders seeking to build AI competency, AI learning paths for CHROs and broader AI training for human resources professionals offer additional resources to develop these skills.
Your membership also unlocks:
