Karen Gibson 

Karen Gibson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in 1986. Her academic journey continued with master’s degrees in national security strategy from the National War College and in strategic intelligence from the National Intelligence University. Gibson recently concluded a 33-year military career, achieving the rank of lieutenant general in the U.S. Army. She excelled in various intelligence and cyberspace operations roles throughout her extensive service. Gibson’s Army career culminated in her appointment as deputy director of national intelligence for national security partnerships. In previous assignments, Gibson held crucial positions, such as director of intelligence for United States Central Command, as well as director of intelligence for Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, the multinational coalition dedicated to defeating ISIS. She also served as deputy commanding general for U.S. Army Cyber Command. A seasoned combat veteran, Gibson demonstrated exemplary leadership in intelligence-operations fusion centers across Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, East Africa, and the U.S. In March 2021, Gibson made history by becoming only the second woman to be appointed as the U.S. Senate’s sergeant at arms. In this pivotal role, she is entrusted with maintaining security in the Capitol and all Senate buildings, and with ensuring the protection of members of Congress. As the chief law enforcement officer, Gibson oversees a range of responsibilities, including managing computers and technology support services, escorting the president and other heads of state or official guests of the Senate in the Capitol, and holding custody of the Senate gavel.