Keith L. Prewitt, the deputy director of the U.S. Secret Service, is retiring, the service announced Monday.
Since 2008, he oversaw the protection of the president, vice president and visiting heads of state. He’d been involved in the protection of inaugurations, political conventions, United Nations General Assemblies and multi-national summits.
A 29-year veteran, Prewitt oversaw in the service’s daily operations, including 7,000 personnel. He also led the service’s efforts against counterfeiting, its oldest mission.
"Keith's 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."
A Memphis native, Prewitt is a former Memphis City Police officer. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology/criminal justice from Memphis State University and an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management.
He joined the Secret Service in 1983 as a special agent in the Memphis Field Office.
"It is very difficult to leave a career of public service," Prewitt said in a statement released by the Secret Service. “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."