(Washington, D.C.) Deputy Director Keith L. Prewitt, a veteran of 29 years with the United
States Secret Service, has announced plans to retire effective April 7, 2012.
Its truly been an honor to work with the dedicated men and women of the Secret Service
and serve as Director Sullivans deputy, said Prewitt. Its been a privilege to contribute to
the rich tradition and history of the most respected law enforcement agency in the world.
As the deputy director, Prewitts responsibilities include oversight of the agencys daily
operations, including approximately 7,000 personnel and $1.6 billion budget. He also
develops and implements policy as it relates to the agencys investigative and protective
mission.
Keiths contribution to the agency has been invaluable, said Secret Service Director Mark
Sullivan. His experience, judgment and management skills have brought our agency much
growth and success through the years. His outstanding leadership and friendship have meant
a lot to me.
Since 2008, Deputy Director Prewitt oversaw the protection of the U.S. President and Vice
President and visiting heads of state. Also, he led the Secret Services investigative mission
enforcing counterfeiting laws that protect U.S. currency; as well as criminal investigations
into a wide range of financial and computer-based crimes.
From special agent to a senior supervisor, he has been involved in some of the most historic
global events for nearly three decades. This includes Presidential Inaugurations, United
Nations General Assemblies, political conventions, multi-national summits and many other
international diplomatic events.
As a member of the Secret Services senior leadership team, Prewitt held positions as the
assistant director of Protective Research, assistant director of Human Resources and Training
and prior to that as the assistant director of the Office of Government and Public Affairs.
Prewitt is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and a former Memphis City Police officer. He
earned a bachelors degree in psychology/criminal justice from Memphis State University and
an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management. He is a board member of the
Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board.
He began his career with the Secret Service in 1983 as a special agent in the Memphis Field
Office. He progressed steadily through the ranks of the agency; his subsequent career
assignments included duty in the Washington and Chicago Field Offices, the Vice Presidential
Protective Division and the Liaison Division.
He has received numerous awards and accolades during his distinguished career. In May
2011, Prewitt was honored by the U.S. Senate for his work overseeing the day-to-day
operations of the Secret Service. Also in 2011, Prewitt was recognized by the Washington
Post and the Partnership for Public Service for enhancing the performance of federal agencies
and employees as well as his commitment to service and excellence. He has been honored
with the Department of Homeland Security Secretarys Award for Outstanding Achievement
in Diversity and the Meritorious and Distinguished Presidential Rank Awards.
It is very difficult to leave a career of public service, said Prewitt. The thing I will miss
the most is working with highly dedicated people you know you can count on people who
epitomize service before self.
Upon retiring from government service, Prewitt will become the senior vice president and
chief operating officer for Harvard Protect, a subsidiary of Harvard Inc., New York, New
York. In his new position, he will be responsible for security at corporate campuses,
commercial office spaces, education facilities, banking, financial institutions and industrial
facilities nationwide.
About the United States Secret Service
The U.S. Secret Service was originally founded in 1865 for the purpose of suppressing the
counterfeiting of U. S. currency. Over the years it has grown into one of the premier law
enforcement organizations charged with investigating financial crimes. The agency has taken
a lead role in the emerging arena of cyber crime, establishing partnerships with the public and
private sectors to address such issues as protection of critical infrastructure, Internet intrusions
and associated fraud.
Source: U.S. Secret Service