Keith Prewitt, Fraud & Financial Crimes, District of Columbia 2012

WASHINGTON D.C. – Keith Prewitt, the U.S. Secret Service’s Deputy Director, is walking away from nearly three decades of safeguarding the nation’s financial infrastructure and top officials. The announcement, made today, comes as Prewitt prepares to take the reins as senior vice president and chief operating officer for Harvard Protect, a New York-based security firm.

For 29 years, Prewitt has been at the center of the Secret Service’s fight against increasingly sophisticated financial crimes. As Deputy Director, he oversaw a $1.6 billion budget and a force of approximately 7,000 personnel, directing investigations into counterfeiting – a surprisingly persistent threat in the digital age – and a wide range of computer-based financial fraud. The agency’s work isn’t limited to paper; Prewitt’s tenure saw the Secret Service grapple with the growing complexities of cybercrime and its impact on U.S. currency and financial institutions.

Prewitt’s career trajectory took him from a special agent in the Memphis Field Office in 1983 to the highest ranks of the agency. He’s been a visible presence at major global events – Presidential inaugurations, United Nations General Assemblies, and multinational summits – a testament to the Secret Service’s broad mandate beyond just protecting individuals. Prior to his Deputy Director role, he held key positions including Assistant Director of Protective Research, Human Resources and Training, and Government and Public Affairs.

“It’s truly been an honor to work with the dedicated men and women of the Secret Service and serve as Director Sullivan’s deputy,” Prewitt stated. Director Sullivan echoed the sentiment, praising Prewitt’s “invaluable” contribution, “experience, judgment and management skills” which he said brought “much growth and success” to the agency. But the transition isn't simply a matter of pleasantries; Prewitt's departure leaves a significant gap in leadership at a time when financial security threats are escalating.

In 2011, Prewitt received accolades from both the U.S. Senate and the Washington Post for his performance and commitment to public service. He was also recognized with the Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Diversity and the Meritorious and Distinguished Presidential Rank Awards. Despite the honors, Prewitt admits leaving a career dedicated to public service is difficult. “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,” he said.

His move to Harvard Protect signals a shift towards the private sector, where he will be responsible for security at a diverse portfolio of facilities nationwide, including corporate campuses, commercial office spaces, and financial institutions. While leaving the Secret Service, Prewitt will undoubtedly apply the skills honed over nearly three decades to a new arena – protecting assets, but now for profit. He officially retires from government service on April 7, 2012.

Source: https://www.secretservice.gov/newsroom/releases/2012/03/deputy-director-keith-prewitt-announces-plans-retire-us-secret-service