SoundExchange Promotes 2, Colin Rushing Exits

SoundExchange, has announced a pair of promotions on their team for Tim Dadson and Brieanne Jackson.

Dadson has risen to General Counsel where he will oversee the organization’s comprehensive legal functions, including regulatory issues, enforcement programs, rate proceedings, corporate governance, compliance, and more. Dadson will also serve as the chief legal advisor, forming part of the executive team reporting to Michael Huppe, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Dadson has been serving as Deputy General Counsel since 2017. He first joined the organization as Assistant General Counsel in 2012, and has been instrumental in building the organization’s legal practice and processes over the past decade. Dadson has more than 20 years of legal experience, including posts at the Washington Football Team, Sidley Austin LLP and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.

“It is an exciting time at SoundExchange as we innovate technology solutions, grow our suite of fintech services, and expand our data capabilities to empower creators everywhere,” Huppe says. “Tim is an exceptional leader with more than two decades of experience that will help support our transformation by leading the legal team at this critical juncture. I look forward to working more closely with him as we continue to improve how the industry enables the creative community.”

“I am thrilled to continue my journey at SoundExchange during this exciting period of transformation at the organization,” comments Dadson. “The importance of music in our lives is clearer today than ever before, and I am looking forward to building a tech-first future of music that empowers creators and values the incredible contributions they make to the world.”

Jackson has been promoted to Deputy General Counsel from Assistant General Counsel, Licensing & Enforcement. She has nearly 15 years of legal experience, 10 of which being at SoundExchange. Jackson began her career as a litigation associate at Ropes & Gray LLP and also served as Assistant Attorney General (Trial Division) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She currently serves as co-chair of the SoundExchange Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Separately, Colin Rushing, Chief Legal Officer, will step down at the end of 2021 after nearly 14 years at the company, SoundExchange has announced.

Rushing first joined SoundExchange in 2008 as Senior Counsel and has since led rate setting efforts securing substantial increases in the royalty rates for digital radio services; worked on legislation benefiting creators as well as ongoing work to secure a performance right for broadcast radio; spearheaded litigation on behalf of SoundExchange payees; and oversaw the development of several programs. He was subsequently promoted to General Counsel in 2011, Senior Vice President and General Counsel in 2014, and his current role of Chief Legal Officer in 2020. Rushing was named a top music industry lawyer by Billboard several years in a row.

“Colin has been an invaluable member of the SoundExchange team over the past 14 years. We thank him for his countless contributions to our organization and the important role he has played in striving for fairness for creators everywhere,” Huppe shares. “We are excited for Colin and wish him the best in his next chapter.”

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve music creators in my time at SoundExchange,” says Rushing. “I am proud of what our team has accomplished, and I am especially proud to be leaving the department and the entire company in excellent hands. I’m looking forward to my next chapter, and plan to keep pursuing my passion: helping music creators thrive in a constantly changing landscape.”

In addition to staffing announcements, SoundExchange also shared its second quarter digital radio report, showing a total payout of $241.6 million which is a 0.9% decrease year to year and a 1.5% decrease from Q1.