Ms. Brekke's FAA service began in 1975 in the Airway Facilities Division. Her career progressed and included positions as an Airspace Technical Specialist in the Air Traffic Division; Public Affairs Specialist; and Public Affairs Officer. During her management career, Brekke served as a member of the region's diversity task force. She also shares oversight of the crisis management team. In January 1994 she was appointed Chief of Staff in the Regional Administrator's office. In 2001, she co-lead a national team which first implemented a new performance management system into a bargaining unit. In 2004, she was appointed co-leader of a national team charged with the consolidation of nine accounting offices into a single finance center.

In January 1995 Ms. Brekke was awarded a Superior Achievement Award by then FAA Administrator, David Hinson, along with the agency's highest award for achievement, the Bronze Medal. Her career has been acknowledged with numerous awards including the "Spirit Award for Communications" bestowed by FAA National Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and a Senate Resolution from the California State Senate for her work on the state's committee for the Bicentennial Celebration of the U.S. Constitution. In March 1997, Ms. Brekke was personally honored by Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater and named to the Honor Roll of Extraordinary Women of the DOT. She also received a commendation in December 1999 from FAA Administrator Jane Garvey. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards and recognition.

Ms. Brekke attended Wayne State University in Detroit and Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She also underwent executive training at Kellogg Business School at Northwestern University. She has lectured at the California Specialized Training Institute, operated by the State of California Office of Emergency Services.