Alan Hickey: The Redwood Among Us

When I think of Alan, I’m reminded of the majestic redwood trees—steadfast, towering, and deeply connected. Each redwood stands tall, not because of its individual strength, but because of its roots—roots that stretch wide and intertwine with those of the surrounding trees, creating a network of support, nourishment, and resilience. Alan was one of those towering redwoods for ASBA.

He was the HEARTWOOD—the strongest, most enduring part of our tree. Even though the heartwood may no longer carry nutrients or actively grow, it remains the foundation that holds the tree upright. It doesn’t ask for recognition; it simply gives strength, silently bearing the weight of storms and the passage of time. Alan’s presence and contributions to ASBA were, and will remain, like that heartwood—steadfast, grounding, and quietly powerful.

One of the remarkable things about redwoods is that even when one tree falls, its roots remain connected, nourishing the forest and encouraging new growth. And this is how we will keep honoring Alan—by staying connected, continuing to grow, and holding each other up as he held us.

Alan didn’t just “work” for ASBA; he poured his heart into it. His vision, his wisdom, and his dedication wove through the roots of everything we built together. He made us stronger, not just as colleagues, but as a community—one that thrives on shared purpose and shared care.

ASBA is a forest of many trees, and Alan’s tree still stands, even now. We are the trees surrounding him, drawing strength from the foundation he created. His influence doesn’t disappear; it remains in the way we work together, the way we care for each other, and the way we continue the mission he believed in so deeply.

Each of us are lucky to be here and to be reminded of what the redwoods teach us: that no tree stands alone. Alan’s life reminds us of the power of connection and how even in absence, we are stronger because of the roots we shared with him.

Alan was more than a leader; he was a part of us. And as long as we continue to support each other and carry forward his vision, his tree will never fall. It will live on in the work we do, in the people we touch, and in the community we nurture—together.

Rest easy, Alan. You are, and always will be, the heartwood of this forest.

Written By: Mallory Love & David Gergen