image of Eric Brooks

What exactly do you do?
First and foremost, I work with one of the most talented groups of IT professionals ever! Together, we are responsible for implementing, maintaining, enhancing, and supporting enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications for the organization including PeopleSoft HCM/e-Personnel, HR Solutions (CRM), Oracle EBS, and Phire. Specifically, I provide leadership in the development of the HR and financial systems managers and staff so that they are able to work effectively and efficiently with the applications and our customers. I oversee automation projects and efforts that are tied to the Board's Strategic Plan, the HR automation roadmap, and ongoing maintenance and enhancements. Responsible for communicating section policies and procedures and staying abreast of applicable industry trends, frameworks, environments, and technology.

Who do you report to?
Reginald Roach, assistant director, Technology Services

Where were you born? Where did you grow up?
I was born in Pittsburgh, PA. My father was in the Air Force so I moved to the Philippines when I was only 1 year old. I basically grew up all over the place, then moved to Hillcrest Heights, Maryland, when I was 15. I consider Maryland my home.

How many siblings do you have?
I have an older brother and sister. We lost our youngest brother in 1998 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Favorite (and/or dream) vacation spot
This is a tough question because I love to travel and have many interests. I would have to say that my favorite vacation spot thus far has been Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Looking forward to skiing in Europe or South America.

Favorite restaurant for lunch
Mike’s Crab House

Favorite type of food
Seafood

Team you root for
All the DC home teams!

Favorite band/musical artist
Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, and George Clinton

Hobby
Tennis, skiing, golf, live music

Personal goal you want to reach in the next year
Continue to coach and encourage (and finance…ouch) my sons on their journey through college. Also, complete at least three charity bicycling events with my motivational coach, my wife Lajuane.

Interesting thing about you or a family member
I played in several bands as a kid until I was about 21. When I was 17, I had an opportunity to join an R&B band that traveled up and down the East Coast, but my parents refused to allow me to do that and insisted that I remain focused on school. Although I loved playing music, I heeded their advice, and, after serving 5 years in the Navy while earning college credits, received a college degree from University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). I am grateful to this day for their guidance at that critical point in my life. In hindsight, I really wasn’t that strong of a musician to have put my education on the back burner.

Favorite quote
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Favorite or unique part of your job
I appreciate being in a position where I may be able to help others develop and succeed.

Employee (from another section within the division) you think should be profiled next
Chris Benson, program and financial analyst