Michelle Okuma
About Michelle Okuma
Michelle Okuma serves as the Senior Manager of IT Technical Operations at Hawaiian Airlines, where she oversees over 100 Technical Operations applications and collaborates with various departments to enhance efficiency. She has a background in IT management and operations, with previous roles at Hawaiian Airlines, Warner Bros., and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Current Role at Hawaiian Airlines
Michelle Okuma serves as the Senior Manager of IT Technical Operations at Hawaiian Airlines since 2022. In this role, she oversees the management of over 100 Technical Operations applications, ensuring compliance with SOX regulations. Okuma is responsible for creating and maintaining IT resource plans and securing project funding. She collaborates with Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain leadership to enhance operational efficiency and prioritize technology projects.
Previous Experience at Hawaiian Airlines
Prior to her current position, Michelle Okuma held multiple roles at Hawaiian Airlines. She served as the Manager of IT Airport Operations from 2017 to 2020, where she managed various IT initiatives related to airport operations. Following this, she transitioned to the role of Manager of IT Technical Operations from 2020 to 2022, focusing on technical operations within the airline. During her tenure, she led the IT team in significant projects, including the deployment of the Amazon A330 Freighter launch and the B787 e-Enabled Fleet Induction.
Experience at Warner Bros. Entertainment
Michelle Okuma worked as an Operations Administrator for Warner Bros. Entertainment Group of Companies from 2008 to 2010. In this position, she was involved in WB Digital Distribution, contributing to operational processes and support. Her experience in a major entertainment company provided her with a diverse skill set that she later applied in her roles within the airline industry.
Academic Background
Michelle Okuma studied at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. Her studies, which spanned from 2001 to 2006, focused on Marketing and Management. This educational background has equipped her with the foundational knowledge necessary for her career in IT and operations management.
Professional Skills and Responsibilities
In her current role, Michelle Okuma is responsible for managing the deployment of various IT tools and applications. She has successfully managed the deployment of the Long Range Planning tool and various Maintenance site deployments. Her responsibilities also include overseeing compliance initiatives and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive technology projects that enhance operational efficiency.