Brad Heckman

Brad Heckman
A self portrait of Heckman
Born	North Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, US[1]
Education	Dickinson College (BA) Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University (MA)[2]
Occupations	Artist mediator professor entrepreneur activist
Years active	1989-present
Title	Founder & former CEO of New York Peace Institute Former Vice President of Safe Horizon
Board member of	National Association for Community Mediation (former)[3] New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA)

Brad Heckman is an American artist, educator and entrepreneur from North Catasauqua, Pennsylvania known for his work in conflict resolution.^[1][4] He founded and served as the Chief Executive Officer of the New York Peace Institute, a nonprofit organization providing free mediation services to New Yorkers. Heckman also served as the Vice President of Safe Horizon from 2007 until 2011.^[5]

Early life & education

Heckman grew up in North Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. As a child, his interest in the concept of peace was shaped by his uncle Jim, a critic of the Vietnam War. This influence led Heckman to pursue an education in political science, culminating in his graduation from Dickinson College in 1989. Following his undergraduate studies, Heckman relocated to Poland, where he took a position teaching English at Nicholas Copernicus University. It was there that he experienced firsthand the Solidarity movement and the political changes that ensued with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Furthering his academic pursuits, Heckman earned a master's degree in International Relations and International Economics from Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.^[2][5]

Career

Mediation

Heckman is recognized for his contributions to the field of conflict resolution and Peace Studies. As the founder and former CEO of the New York Peace Institute, Heckman promoted peaceful dispute resolution strategies.^[6][2][7] Under his leadership, the institute has managed approximately 5,000 cases a year, achieving a 70% success rate in reaching mutually agreed-upon resolutions in disputes.^[8] Heckman's approach emphasizes the importance of listening, neutrality, and facilitating dialogue between disputing parties, advocating for mediation as an effective alternative to litigation to preserve relationships and reduce legal costs.^[9]

Heckman's international efforts include a partnership with Ray Shonholtz, founder of Partners for Democratic Change, to establish locally operated mediation centers across the former Soviet Bloc. These centers, designed to reflect the specific needs and cultures of their communities, continue to provide valuable services today.^[2] Additionally, Heckman has been involved in training hundreds of officers from the New York Police Department in mediation skills. This initiative aimed at rebuilding civilian-police relationships demonstrates the potential of integrating mediation tactics into police training to peacefully de-escalate conflicts between police and civilians.^[10][11] Beyond his role at the New York Peace Institute, Heckman has significantly contributed to the academic field of conflict resolution. In 2018, he joined New York University's Center for Global Affairs as a full-time professor, after eight years of serving as an adjunct professor.^[12] His global engagements have included establishing mediation centers across Europe and participating in conflict resolution efforts in areas such as Baghdad, aiming to teach de-escalation techniques and involve youth in civil society.^[13] Heckman's extensive work in promoting peaceful and effective dispute resolution, both in New York and internationally, reflects his dedication to conflict resolution and Peace Studies. His initiatives have built frameworks for sustainable peace and dialogue in communities around the world.^[2][13]

Artistic endeavors

Aside from his professional accomplishments, Heckman is recognized for his artistic talent.^[14] His work has appeared in several publications, serving as a vehicle to explore themes of conflict resolution and peace. In 2018, Heckman provided illustrations for the collection of quotes, Words of Wisdom.^{[13] [15]}

Honors and recognition

Heckman has been honored for his leadership and contributions to the field of mediation and conflict resolution. In 2018, the National Association for Community Mediation celebrated his achievements at their annual PeaceRaiser event, recognizing his nearly seven years of service as the founding CEO of the New York Peace Institute and his role in developing its world-class training program. This program has been utilized by organizations such as the New York Police Department, NASA, the United Nations, and various government agencies, companies, and nonprofit organizations around the globe.^[12]

Bibliography

See also

References

External Links

• New York Peace Institute Official Website
• Brad Heckman - TEDx Talk

This page was last edited on 26 April 2024, at 00:54