Wesley R. Brooks, Ph.D., was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs on May 28, 2026.
As Assistant Secretary, Dr. Brooks leads work to advance U.S. economic and national security by securing American leadership in outer space, the ocean, the poles, fisheries, and the environment—frontier domains that increasingly define geopolitical power, supply chain resilience, and resource security for American families and businesses.
Under Assistant Secretary Brooks’ leadership, the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) leverages U.S. scientific and technological excellence to protect American sovereignty, expand market access for U.S. companies, and shape international rules that favor U.S. innovation and industry. OES diplomacy and programs include areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the high seas, the Arctic, Antarctica, and outer space, and address transboundary challenges, such as illegal fishing, nature crimes, biodiversity loss, water security, and pollution that directly affect American security, economic prosperity, and global stability.
Prior to confirmation, Assistant Secretary Brooks served as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory and Scientific Affairs in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water (2025-2026). Earlier in his career, Assistant Secretary Brooks was the Director of Federal Affairs for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (2020-2021). He was later appointed by Governor DeSantis as Florida’s Chief Resilience Officer (2021-2025) where he guided the development of the Resilient Florida program and led interagency coordination across state and local governments to address vulnerabilities and adapt infrastructure to reduce the risks and economic impacts of flooding and hurricanes on communities and businesses across the state.
Assistant Secretary Brooks previously advised on agriculture, energy, environment, trade, and water resources issues for three members of the Florida congressional delegation, Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Brian Mast, and then-Senator Marco Rubio.
Assistant Secretary Brooks received a Ph.D. in ecological science from Rutgers University and a B.S. in political science and biology from Duke University.
