HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, charged by statute with overseeing the development of slots gaming in the Commonwealth and subsequently regulating the multi-billion dollar industry, today unanimously selected David J. Kwait as its first Director of Investigations and Enforcement, the top law-enforcement position in the agency.
Kwait is a 40-year veteran of the federal and state law-enforcement communities. Most recently, he served as Chief of Criminal Investigations for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. He also served as an FBI agent for 30 years.
"Our top priority is guaranteeing the integrity of the gaming industry in Pennsylvania," said Tad Decker, Chairman of the Gaming Control Board. "David has had an outstanding career in law enforcement and law-enforcement management, and my fellow Board members and I believe that his experience will help make Pennsylvania a leader in gaming integrity across the country."
Kwait will report to Gaming Control Board Executive Director Anne Neeb. His appointment is contingent on his passing an extensive background investigation. He will begin his duties with the Gaming Control Board next week.
"For gaming to work in Pennsylvania, the Board has to ensure that all the people and companies it licenses are above reproach," said Kwait. "I look forward to being part of that process."
Kwait earned a bachelor's degree in French from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 1964 and did post-graduate work at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., in 1965 before joining the FBI. From 1966 to 1996 he served in New Orleans, Chicago, Washington and Pittsburgh, where he was supervisory special agent from 1990-96.
In 1996-97, Kwait was manager of the Office of Municipal Investigations in the City of Pittsburgh. He joined the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office in 1997, serving as Executive Manager of the Office of Criminal Investigation until Attorney General Jerry Pappert left office in January 2005.
Kwait and his wife, Diana, live in Hummelstown and have five grown children.
