Matthew Brodacki, based in Fairfield County, Connecticut, is a renowned cybersecurity leader and law enforcement professional who has made significant contributions to both public service and private enterprise. As the Captain of the Regional Technical Investigations Unit (TIU) for Southwestern Connecticut, Matthew leads a team that handles over 500 cyber cases annually. He holds dual master’s degrees in Public Administration and Digital Forensics and is federally deputized, working closely with the United States Secret Service to enhance cybersecurity efforts nationwide. His career spans high-level consulting for healthcare entities and the creation of a nationally recognized cybercrime lab. Beyond his professional achievements, Matthew is deeply committed to community service, including his involvement with the NAACP task force for Fairfield County, the Sandy Hook Playground Initiative, and serving on the board of the Rowan Center, which supports victims of sexual assault.
What does success look like to you?
Success, to me, is multidimensional. It’s not just about professional milestones or accolades—it’s about making a meaningful impact both in my career and in the community. Professionally, success means creating systems that don’t just solve today’s problems but are built to last. When I helped establish the cybercrime lab, it wasn’t just about addressing an immediate need—it was about building something sustainable, something that could grow with the challenges we face. Seeing that lab become a national model feels like success because it’s proof that we’ve built something that transcends individual effort. But on a personal level, success is more than that. It’s about mentoring the next generation, giving back to the community, and knowing that I’ve left a positive legacy in people’s lives. Whether it’s through my work with the NAACP or helping build playgrounds in honor of Sandy Hook, success is about contributing to something greater than myself.
How has your work in both law enforcement and cybersecurity shaped your view of success?
Both fields have taught me that success is rarely achieved alone. In cybersecurity, for instance, no single person can stay ahead of every emerging threat—it’s a collective effort that requires collaboration, trust, and constant learning. The same applies in law enforcement, where teamwork is everything. Being in charge of the Technical Investigations Unit means that the success of my team isn’t measured by individual accomplishments but by how effectively we protect our community. It’s the same mindset I take into any project—whether I’m working with law enforcement partners, consulting for a healthcare entity, or serving on the board of the Rowan Center. The ability to bring people together, align them with a common purpose, and see that purpose fulfilled—that’s what I view as true success.
Can success be measured by personal achievements, or is it always about the collective outcome?
No single members success including anything I have accomplished should hinder the mission of protecting humans. Success shouldn’t exist in a vacuum. I take joy in my personal accomplishments—whether it’s earning my dual master’s degrees or being federally deputized by the federal government —but these are milestones that enable greater collective outcomes. Personal success becomes meaningful when it contributes to a broader good. For example, my role in cybersecurity isn’t just about being at the forefront of digital forensics; it’s about leveraging that expertise to safeguard individuals, businesses, and communities. The same goes for law enforcement. It’s not enough to be successful on paper—what matters is how that success helps build trust with the public and how it strengthens our ability to serve.
What role does community service play in your definition of success?
Community service is central to my idea of success. I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my career, but with that comes a responsibility to give back. Working with the NAACP task force and mentoring minority officers has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Law enforcement needs to reflect the communities we serve, and being part of that process is something important.
Similarly, the work I’ve done with the Sandy Hook Playground Initiative—it’s humbling to know that in the wake of such tragedy, we were able to build something that brings joy to children and families. Success isn’t just about professional achievements; it’s about using your skills, your resources, and your platform to make life better for others.
How do you maintain a balance between personal success and giving back to the community?
It’s about integration, not separation. I don’t see my career and community involvement as two separate tracks. They’re intertwined. The skills I’ve honed in my professional life—leadership, problem-solving, resilience—are the same ones I bring to my community work. Serving on the board of the Rowan Center, for example, requires the same attention to detail and commitment that I apply to managing cyber investigations. I’ve found that when you approach life holistically, you don’t have to choose between personal success and community service; they feed into each other.
What advice would you give to someone defining their own version of success?
First, define success on your own terms. Don’t let societal expectations dictate what success should look like for you. Some people chase money, others chase status—but if those things don’t resonate with you, they’re not going to fulfill you. For me, success is about impact. My advice would be to find out what truly drives you and focus on that. Second, don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is part of success—it’s where you learn the most. Early in my career, I hesitated to take risks because I feared failure, but I quickly learned that the greatest opportunities for growth often come from setbacks. Finally, remember that success is a journey, not a destination. You should always be evolving, always learning, and always striving for the next challenge.
What’s the most rewarding part of your career in terms of success?
The most rewarding part is seeing the tangible results of our work, especially in how it affects people’s lives. Whether it’s solving a complex cyber case that protects a company from financial ruin or helping a family find closure after a criminal investigation, knowing that our efforts have made a difference is incredibly fulfilling. But beyond that, I’d say mentorship is deeply rewarding.
It’s knowing that the impact you’ve had on someone else’s life will continue long after you’ve moved on.
What’s next for you, and how will that shape your future idea of success?
I’m excited about continuing to push the boundaries of cybersecurity, especially with the rapid developments in AI and machine learning. There’s so much potential to enhance how we detect and respond to threats, and I want to be at the forefront of that innovation. On the community side, I plan to stay deeply involved with the NAACP and continue advocating for diversity in law enforcement. Ultimately, I want to ensure that the systems and programs I help build—whether in cybersecurity, law enforcement, or community service—are sustainable and continue to thrive even after
I’m no longer involved. If those programs can operate independently and create lasting change, then I’ll know I’ve achieved true success. Success for me now is about building a legacy that has enduring value, both professionally and personally.