Colonel Karen Gibson

U.S. Army Colonel Karen Gibson is a native of Bozeman, Mont. and is a graduate of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) at Purdue University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Engineering. Col. Gibson also has two Master’s of Science Degrees; one from the National Defense University in National Security Studies and one in Strategic Intelligence from the Joint Military Intelligence College.

Throughout her career, she has served in several leadership positions around the world to include Hawaii, Alaska, Korea and Africa. Col. Gibson has served at the National Military Joint Intelligence Center and the Defense Intelligence Agency. She has successfully completed numerous military training courses with distinction and has earned several awards and decorations to include the Defense Superior Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. She also earned the Parachutist and Air Assault Badge. Col. Gibson currently commands the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade which is on the cutting edge of cyber warfare. She is the second female to lead the brigade.

During her service to her country a cancer diagnosis abruptly canceled a planned deployment to Iraq. At that time Col. Gibson drew on the support of her Family, her faith, and the Army Values and Warrior Ethos to fight the disease. Because of her experience, she continues to be a strong supporter to Relay for Life and cancer research. Gibson also participates in cancer mentorship events.

Col. Gibson is married to retired Lt. Col. Kim Chapman. Their daughter Kelly is following in her mother’s footsteps as a ROTC cadet in college, and their son Tom is currently in high school in Anne Arundel County.