Gibson was raised in Bozeman, Montana, where she graduated from Bozeman High School. 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.

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.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the appointment of Gibson as sergeant at arms of the United States Senate in March 2021. 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. 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.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Gibson_(Sergeant_at_Arms)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-gibson-aa4570184