Pilar Hernandez

Pilar M. Hernandez is an accomplished hospitality executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience, primarily in People Operations, with additional functional expertise spanning Sales, Finance, and Hotel Operations. Her career has been distinguished by a consistent ability to align people strategy with business objectives, strengthen organizational performance, and lead with both operational discipline and a deep commitment to culture.

Having spent the majority of her career in San Francisco, Pilar has developed significant expertise in one of the nation’s most sophisticated and highly regulated hospitality markets. She has held regional leadership responsibilities supporting properties across the United States, representing multiple brands and operating models, and has also contributed internationally through service to a property in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Her broad experience has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of workforce dynamics, business operations, and service excellence across diverse markets.

Pilar brings substantial experience leading in both union and non-union environments, with a strong appreciation for the complexity, partnership, and strategic stewardship required to support successful operations in each. She is recognized for navigating employee relations and labor matters with sound judgment, credibility, and a balanced leadership approach that advances organizational goals while fostering respect, trust, and accountability.

Her areas of expertise include talent strategy, employee and labor relations, leadership development, recruitment, compliance, organizational effectiveness, and cross-functional operational partnership. She is particularly valued for her ability to build strong leadership teams, elevate workplace culture, and create environments in which employees are positioned to thrive and contribute at a high level.

Originally from Lima, Peru, Pilar brings a global and multicultural perspective to her leadership style, shaped by years of working across diverse teams, brands, and communities. She currently serves as Co-Chair of CoralTree Hospitality’s CORE Council, a leadership initiative focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. In that role, she helps guide efforts that strengthen engagement, encourage meaningful dialogue, and reinforce a culture grounded in respect, opportunity, and connection.

Pilar’s interest in serving Acts of Service reflects both her professional experience and her personal commitment to purpose-driven leadership. She is honored to support organizations whose work is rooted in dignity, compassion, and meaningful community impact, and she brings to board service a combination of strategic perspective, operational breadth, and an enduring belief in the power of service to strengthen people and communities.