On April 10th, Champlain College celebrated the Grand Opening of the NuHarbor Security Operations Center and the Leahy Center for Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity in the Miller Center on Lakeside Avenue in Burlington. The event marked a powerful collaboration between education, government, and private enterprise—ushering in a new chapter for cybersecurity innovation in Vermont.
Hosted by Champlain College President Alex Hernandez, the ceremony featured remarks from retired U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, Justin Fimlaid, CEO of Vermont-based NuHarbor Security, and Dr. Scott Stevens, Dean of the Division of Information Technology & Sciences. The full house of attendees, including local leaders, students, and industry professionals, witnessed a ribbon cutting that symbolizes Vermont’s bold move toward national leadership in cybersecurity.
“Our goal at Champlain College is to graduate 1,000 students into Vermont’s workforce every year,” said President Hernandez. “On any given day, you’ll find more than 120 students studying and working on cybersecurity right here in this building.”
Dean Stevens noted the long journey that led to this moment. “This opening is nearly 20 years in the making,” he shared. “It’s a testament to what can happen when government, education, and private enterprise work together. Government, enabled by Senator Patrick Leahy. Education, led by Champlain College. And private enterprise, driven by Justin Fimlaid and NuHarbor Security.”
NuHarbor Security, headquartered in Vermont, defends over 40% of the country’s data infrastructure. “Our services support everything from small Vermont businesses to Fortune 10 companies,” said Fimlaid, whose 20+ year career includes serving as global CISO for Keurig Green Mountain Coffee. "Thank you for the work in making this happen."
Senator Leahy, for whom the center is named, reflected on the milestone: “I’m proud that my name is on this facility. I’m even more proud that Vermont is a leader in cybersecurity.”
As a proud partner of Champlain College and a neighbor in Burlington’s South End Lakeside corridor, Hula celebrates this incredible step forward. This new facility is not just a local achievement—it’s a beacon of what’s possible when vision, collaboration, and innovation come together. Congratulations to all involved.
