UC Irvine and Konnect Launch Executive Program for HR Leaders on AI Strategy
UC Irvine's Paul Merage School of Business and Konnect have partnered to create a new executive certification program called "The Future of HR: AI Strategy & Leadership." The eight-week program, running July 17 through September 3, 2026, targets CHROs and senior HR leaders who need to build AI strategies for their organizations.
The program costs $4,800 and combines weekly virtual sessions with an in-person closing session on the Irvine campus. Participants attend Friday sessions from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PST.
What the Program Covers
The curriculum blends academic frameworks with applied HR practice. Co-developed by Merage School faculty and Konnect practitioners, it addresses how AI affects every stage of the employee lifecycle-from hiring and performance management to organizational design and daily employee experience.
Participants will gain:
- AI-powered HR strategies that produce measurable business results
- Frameworks for workforce transformation and data-driven decision-making
- Practitioner-led simulations focused on AI implementation and organizational change
- Actionable insights for immediate use in their organizations
Why This Matters for HR Leaders
Dean Ian O. Williamson of the Merage School said the intersection of AI and human capital represents one of the most consequential leadership challenges today. "The future of work demands leaders who can think strategically about AI. Not just adopt it, but architect it in ways that strengthen organizations and the people within them," he said.
Noah Askin, associate professor of organization and management and faculty director of the Leadership Development Institute, leads the academic component. "We're helping them develop the organizational fluency to lead transformation from the inside out," Askin said.
Jamie Viramontes, founder and CEO of Konnect, said the partnership reflects where HR leadership needs to go. "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," he said.
For HR Professionals Exploring AI
HR leaders looking to build foundational AI knowledge might also consider broader resources. AI Learning Path for CHROs provides structured guidance for chief human resources officers. Those interested in how AI applies across specific HR functions can explore AI for Human Resources resources covering recruitment, talent management, and workforce analytics.
To register for the UC Irvine program, visit uci.thinkific.com/courses/AIHRKonnect.
Your membership also unlocks:
