Mission-Driven HR: How Los Alamos National Lab Transformed to Meet National Security Demands - 2025 Next Practices Weekly

In this high-impact session of Next Practices Weekly, i4cp welcomed the Human Resources Leadership Team at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to discuss one of the most extraordinary HR transformations in the federal sector.

Moderated by i4cp’s Kirstin Queen, Senior Membership Director, and Amber Burton, Senior Research Analyst, the conversation explored how LANL expanded its workforce dramatically—doubling headcount during the Great Resignation—while simultaneously modernizing every aspect of HR to serve a national security mission. From launching one of the nation’s most competitive benefits programs to adopting AI and reengineering HR service delivery, LANL’s journey is a bold case study in purpose-driven, people-first leadership.

Key Topics Discussed

• Doubling the Workforce During a Global Talent Shortage
  LANL expanded at unprecedented speed without compromising on mission or cultural alignment. Their success was grounded in leadership alignment and a compelling employee value proposition.
• Reinventing Total Rewards with Competitive Edge
  The HR team shared how they built a benefits and compensation package designed to attract the best minds in science and engineering—while also supporting the unique demands of national security work.
• Transforming HR from Operational to Strategic
  A shift toward strategic service delivery helped LANL transition from reactive support to a future-ready HR function. Automation, AI, and employee self-service tools played a critical role.
• Leading Change Through Radical Transparency
  During major transitions, the LANL HR team emphasized trust-building with employees. Regular communication, honest dialogue, and data-driven storytelling helped gain enterprise-wide buy-in.
• Embracing AI as an Enabler, Not a Threat
  Rather than fearing disruption, LANL is exploring AI to elevate HR capabilities—from workflow automation to improved employee experience and decision-making.

This session offered a rare inside look at how HR can lead transformation in a high-stakes environment. If you’re navigating growth, complexity, or change, LANL’s bold strategies are must-see. Watch the full recording to gain actionable insights you won’t find anywhere else - and be sure to register for i4cp's 2026 Next Practices Now Conference.

To ensure open discussion, this event was exclusively for HR practitioners. Vendors and consultants were not permitted to attend.