An electrical connector includes a housing and both signal conductors and ground conductors held by the housing. The ground conductors are arranged in an array with the signal conductors and provide electrical shielding between the signal conductors. The ground conductors have an electrically conductive metal body extending a length between a terminating end and a mating distal end. The ground conductors are configured to engage corresponding mating ground conductors of a mating connector at a contact location of the respective ground conductor. The ground conductors further include a damping segment disposed between the contact location and the mating distal end. The damping segment is characterized by a lossy coating at least partially covering the metal body to dissipate electrical energy.