J.D. Connell, Esq. is the Senior Vice President of Media Licensing for SESAC Performing Rights, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.

With SESAC for more than fifteen years, Connell has been a key driver in negotiating and drafting public performance licenses with a variety of music users. He specializes in high-level negotiations with media companies that publicly perform music using digital media distribution systems, including new and emerging platforms. Additionally, J.D. has been instrumental in negotiating SESAC’s agreements with television and radio broadcasters during his tenure.

Connell is also intricately involved in SESAC’s international efforts, including reciprocal agreements with other societies and the joint venture between SESAC and SUISA, Mint Digital Services. JD has been featured on the Billboard Digital Power Players list from 2016-2019 and continues to demonstrate leadership in the rights management space.

Connell is from Jackson, Tenn., where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Union University. He received his Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of Law where he co-founded the Mississippi College Sports and Entertainment Law Section.