Karen Gibson (Sergeant at Arms)

Karen H. Gibson is the Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate and a retired military intelligence officer.[1][2][3][4]

Karen H. Gibson
42nd Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate
Assumed office
March 22, 2021
DeputyKelly Fado
LeaderChuck Schumer
Preceded byMichael C. Stenger
Director of Intelligence of the United States Central Command
In office
2017–2019
LeaderJoseph Votel
Succeeded byDimitri Henry
Director of Intelligence of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve
In office
2016–2017
LeaderStephen J. Townsend
Preceded byJeffrey A. Kruse
Succeeded byLeah Lauderback
Deputy Commanding General of Joint Force Headquarters–Cyber of the United States Army Cyber Command
In office
2014–2016
LeaderEdward C. Cardon
Succeeded byMaria Barrett
Personal details
EducationPurdue University (BS)
National War College (MS)
National Intelligence University (MS)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1987–2020
Rank Lieutenant General
UnitOffice of the Director of National Intelligence
Combined Joint Task Force
United States Army Cyber Command

Early life and education

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Gibson was raised in Bozeman, Montana, where she graduated from Bozeman High School.[5] Gibson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University, a Master of Science in national security strategy from the National War College, and a Master of Science in strategic intelligence from the National Intelligence University.[6]

Career

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Gibson served in the United States Army for 33 years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant General. Prior to her appointment as sergeant at arms, Gibson served as the deputy Director of National Intelligence for national security partnerships, director of intelligence for United States Central Command, director of intelligence for the Combined Joint Task Force, and deputy commanding general for the United States Army Cyber Command.

A seasoned combat veteran, Ms. Gibson led intelligence-operations fusion centers in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, East Africa, and in the United States.[7]

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the appointment of Gibson as sergeant at arms of the United States Senate in March 2021.[8] She had recently worked with Russel L. Honoré to make recommendations for Congress in the wake of the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol.[4] Gibson is the second woman to serve as the Senate Sergeant at Arms. Gibson, her deputy, Kelly Fado, and Chief of Staff, Jennifer Hemingway, are the first all-female team occupying the Senate's top three security posts.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Stein, Perrin (March 21, 2021). "Bozemanite tapped as next Senate sergeant-at-arms". KPVI-DT. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  2. ^ "Senate Swears In New Head Of Security After Insurrection Shakeup". NPR.org. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  3. ^ "Largest intelligence community IT conference coming to Florida". Defense Intelligence Agency. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c Broadwater, Luke (March 23, 2021). "After Capitol Riot, Senate Taps Intelligence Official to Lead Security". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  5. ^ Writer, Perrin Stein Chronicle Staff. "Bozemanite tapped as next Senate sergeant-at-arms". KPVI. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  6. ^ "U.S. Senate: Sergeant at Arms Karen Gibson". www.senate.gov. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  7. ^ "U.S. Senate: Sergeant at Arms Karen Gibson". www.senate.gov. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  8. ^ "Retired Lt. Gen. Karen Gibson tapped as Senate sergeant-at-arms". Roll Call. March 3, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
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Military offices
Preceded by
???
Deputy Commanding General of Joint Force Headquarters–Cyber of the United States Army Cyber Command
2014–2016
Succeeded by
Preceded by Director of Intelligence of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve
2016–2017
Succeeded by
Preceded by
???
Director of Intelligence of the United States Central Command
2017–2019
Succeeded by
Government offices
Preceded by 42nd Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate
2021 – present
Incumbent