Dr. John Brooks is currently deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture. He is a mixed animal veterinary practitioner, having received his B.S. degree from the University of Maryland in 1970 and his D.V.M. from the University of the Philippines in 1974. He has been in private practice for 30 years and established the Fork Veterinary Hospital in 1978 as a solo practice.

Dr. Brooks joined the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) in 1974, served as a member of the Board of Directors for six years, and as president in 1991-92. He also has served as president of the Harford Veterinary Medical Association. He currently serves the MVMA as their delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and a member of the AVMA House Advisory Committee. Dr. Brooks is a past trustee to the Maryland Veterinary Foundation, Dr. Brooks now chairs the MVMA Professional Affairs and Veterinary Technician committees, as well as the AVMA House Advisory Committee.

Dr. Brooks has been active in successfully obtaining full funding for veterinary students from Maryland for the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, serving as a member of the Dean's Executive Advisory Board to the College. He was a member of Maryland State Board of Stable Inspectors, appointed by the Governor and has been a long-standing member on the Advisory Council to the Dean of the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; as well as past president and board member of both the Greater Kingsville Civic Association and the Northeast Baltimore County Businessmen's Association.

Recently, Dr. Brooks has been honored by receiving awards from the University of Maryland Alumni Association, as well as the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for meritorious service to Agriculture and Natural Resources. He has also been honored as the recipient of the MVMA Distinguished Veterinarian.