Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Transforming HR with AI and Process Optimization at Hawaii Health Systems
Feb 11, 2026
Cecilia Trujillo, Regional Chief Human Resources Officer at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation who focuses on process optimization and AI for HR. She discusses mapping HR workflows and closing gaps. She explains adopting sprint-based Agile for faster change. She explores generative AI priorities, governance with IT, and easing staff concerns while boosting workforce resilience.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Deliberate Onboarding In Rural Hawaii
- Cecilia Trujillo describes arriving at East Hawaii and intentionally pausing 60 days to prepare and learn before acting.
- She emphasizes honoring local culture and understanding the unique context of a rural health system serving a wide geographic area.
Map Processes Then Sprint
- Map internal HR processes to find gaps, duplications, and unclear ownership before automating or adding tasks.
- Run short agile sprints (two to three weeks) so teams rapidly map and redesign processes while keeping momentum.
Team Buy-In Was The Win
- Cecilia shares that team buy-in was the biggest win after introducing agile and process mapping.
- Staff began using agile language like 'sprints' and owned identifying gaps and creative solutions.