#United States #New York #Entrepreneur of the Year #Harbor IT #Johnny Lieberman

Johnny Lieberman of Harbor IT: A Visionary Leader

In a noteworthy announcement, Johnny Lieberman, the dynamic founder and CEO of Harbor IT, has been celebrated as a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 New York Award by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US). This prestigious accolade recognizes remarkable leaders who drive disruption in the marketplace and significantly contribute to their communities through innovative enterprise.

With its 41st year running, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program acknowledges entrepreneurs whose forward-thinking innovations propel economic growth and shape the business landscape. A distinguished panel of judges selected Johnny from a pool of 33 finalists based on critical factors such as entrepreneurial zeal, purpose, company growth, and enduring impact in creating long-term value.

Johnny has articulated an ambitious vision for Harbor IT, noting, "We set out to build Harbor differently than others in our sphere, establishing an integrated company with genuine specialization that many Managed Service Providers (MSPs) weren't prepared to undertake. Our focus is cyber-first, catering to challenging customer profiles, particularly multi-site healthcare providers who can't afford downtime in their clinical systems. Our clients also include manufacturers navigating operational technology and compliance mandates. These sectors necessitate specialists who truly understand the complexities involved. While many MSPs have stepped back, we’ve resolutely leaned in." His passion for overcoming difficulties and delivering exceptional value is evident in every aspect of Harbor IT’s operations.

Harbor IT stands as a cyber-first managed services provider that delivers a comprehensive suite of IT, cybersecurity, AI, and cloud solutions tailored for organizations with intricate, mission-critical, and compliance-driven technology frameworks. Under Johnny’s leadership, the company has taken a unique approach, securing $50 million from a targeted network of entrepreneurs and business leaders. This strategy has facilitated the establishment of an operator-led alternative to traditional private equity consolidations.

Through a series of nine strategic acquisitions, Harbor IT has seamlessly integrated into a single operating platform boasting a cohesive product suite. This includes its proprietary US-based Security Operation Center (SOC) and MXDR platform. Harbor caters predominantly to mid-market clients across three specialized verticals: private equity portfolio companies, critical infrastructure, and healthcare. Each of these sectors is characterized by demanding operational, regulatory, and security requirements. With nearly 400 employees across 40 states, Harbor serves clients nationwide as their trusted technological ally.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year awards shine a spotlight on exceptional business leaders marked by ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit. They honor those visionary founders who bootstrap their firms from the ground up or secure external funding to elevate their enterprises. Transformational CEOs who instill innovation within existing organizations to enhance growth, as well as multigenerational family business leaders conceiving new frameworks for legacy businesses, are also celebrated in this esteemed program.

The finalists this year represent various industries within New York and Connecticut, covering sectors such as technology, consumer products, manufacturing, and finance. The regional winners will be unveiled on June 16 in Manhattan, where they will join an illustrious community of Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni. Post this celebration, they will contend for national recognition through the respective national judges. The national winners will be honored in November during the Strategic Growth Forum®, an event where leading CEOs, Fortune 1000 executives, and investors gather to define the future of business.

This year’s event is made possible thanks to an array of sponsors, including PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA, SAP, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Additional New York-based sponsorship includes regional platinum sponsor Donnelley Financial Solutions (DFIN) and other regional gold and silver sponsors.

Launched in 1986, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program has celebrated over 11,000 visionary leaders who steer thriving and innovative businesses across the United States. The program has expanded to nearly 80 countries and territories globally, affirming its status as a hallmark of entrepreneurial excellence.

In summary, Johnny Lieberman's acknowledgment as a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 is a testament to his visionary leadership at Harbor IT. Under his guidance, the company is positioned to tackle some of the toughest challenges in the technology landscape, redefining service standards and client engagement in a cyber-first era.