David Kwait, the Director of the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement (BIE) of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today announced that he will retire, effective December 5, 2008. Kwait has served as the first director of the BIE since July 2005. In his letter of resignation to the Board, Kwait wrote that he truly anticipates that when the collective history of the startup of the PGCB is considered, it will be recognized for the significant effort put forth in successfully launching a new industry in Pennsylvania. According to PGCB, BIE grew to a unit of more than 70 employees under Kwait’s leadership, many of those recruited possessing backgrounds with the FBI, major city or regional police departments, and other law enforcement units. During that time, BIE conducted more than 19,000 investigations on individuals or corporate entities.

The Board plans to explore a full range of options to maintain a high level of service while it considers Kwait’s successor.