University Statement Regarding the Passing of Dr. Heckman

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

It is with great sadness that we share the news that longtime Franklin University faculty member Dr. Alex Heckman, Department Chair, Public Administration, passed away Tuesday evening. Dr. Heckman was a loyal and dedicated member of the University whose impassioned advancement of the study of public administration fueled his experiences to help the greater central Ohio community.
 
As a lifelong advocate of continual learning, Dr. Heckman brought his professionalism, service, and expertise to the classroom. He focused his areas of expertise on ethical leadership, policy analysis and implementation, program evaluation, and organizational performance improvement. He has been published in the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory and the Public Management Review. He has provided research and analysis services and policy and operational improvement recommendations for the City of Columbus, Ohio Auditor of State, Ohio Legislature, Ohio Local Government Innovation Council, Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, and the Pew Center for the States. 
 
Dr. Heckman has been a public servant for more than 20 years, including serving as a member of Westerville City Council and Westerville School Board, a performance audit manager for the Ohio Auditor of State, and a non-partisan budget and policy analyst for the Ohio Legislature. His key accomplishments while on City Council include championing multiple programs to help low-income residents, enacting a LGBTQ non-discrimination ordinance, and advancing sustainability and public transportation initiatives. Amid rising awareness about domestic violence and abuse, Dr. Heckman served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) officer and was sworn in as a CASA Guardians ad Litem (GALs) in 2015 to serve as a voice for children who have been victims in their own homes. As president of the Central Ohio American Society of Public Administration and chair of the ASPA Section on Public Administration Education, he used his expertise and activism to better inform students of the real-world impact of what they learn.
 
Dr. Heckman will be sadly missed by the members of the Franklin University community and by those who benefited from the wisdom of his counsel, friendship, and service.
 
Our sincere condolences to Dr. Heckman’s three daughters, family, and friends.