Donald Valdez (valdezd@mail.dbu.edu)

Mr. Valdez holds a B.S. degree in Journalism from the University of Memphis, Attended the University of South Carolina Graduate School of Communications and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis.

He is an Attorney with the law firm of Decker, Jones, McMackin, McClane, Hall & Bates. He also serves as Vice-President, Anti-Piracy Legislation and Regional Counsel, Anti-Piracy Legal Affairs for the Recording Industry of America, Inc. (RIAA). His previous work experience includes eight years as a Field Investigator and Regional Director for RIAA; four years as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); a Captain in the United States Air Force; and two and a half years as an Adjunct Professor of Journalism at the University of Memphis.

He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the American Bar Association, and belongs to the Criminal Justice, Intellectual Property Law, and Entertainment and Sports Law Sections of both bars. Mr. Valdez has formerly served as Co-Chair for the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition's Spring Conference and is on the Legislative Drafting Committee for the same organization. He is a former recording artist, writer, and producer; and a current member of the Country Music Association and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He is also a member of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI.

Mr. Valdez was named to "Tarrant County's Top Attorneys" by Fort Worth Magazine in 2006. He has also served as a Vestry Member at St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church.

His other involvements include: Lambda Chi Alpha Alumni Association; University of Memphis Alumni Association, United State Tennis Association; and United States Golf Association.

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