Dorsey McConnell earned his bachelor's degree from Yale College and received a Fulbright scholarship for study in Paris.

He then worked several jobs including being an actor and polo groom before marrying and enrolling at General Theological Seminary for his master of divinity.

In 2004, he was called to the rectorship of Church of the Redeemer, Chestnut Hill, in the Diocese of Massachusetts where he served until his election as Bishop of Pittsburgh.

[3] McConnell was elected eighth bishop diocesan at a special convention held at Trinity Cathedral downtown on April 21, 2012.

Scott T. Quinn, rector of Church of the Nativity, Crafton, Pennsylvania, was added to the final slate by petition.

Prior to his election, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported McConnell had a record of advocating for theologically conservative concerns within liberal dioceses while still remaining loyal to the Episcopal Church.

In addition to establishing a traditional Anglican via media for the most divisive issue in the diocese, McConnell returned diocesan offices to their historical headquarters at Trinity Cathedral, downtown in June 2015.

He was named a member of the board of directors and was a presenter during inaugural festivities of school president David Esterline.

In December 2012, he delivered a sermon in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at his alma mater, General Theological Seminary in New York City.