Wayne Messmer

While in demand as a motivational and inspirational speaker, Wayne Messmer's voice remains most associated with the singing of the National Anthem. He has held a professional association with the Chicago Cubs since 1985. For three years prior to joining the Cubs, he was the field announcer and soloist for the Chicago White Sox. Wayne spent thirteen seasons as the celebrated soloist for the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL. His association with sports began as the announcer/soloist with the two-time champion Chicago Sting Soccer Team. He is a founding partner of the four-time Cup champion Chicago Wolves Professional Hockey Team of the AHL where he now serves in a consulting role as senior vice president.

Messmer was the announcer at two Major League Baseball All-Star games played in Chicago, at Comiskey Park in 1983, and Wrigley Field in 1990. Additionally, his spirited rendition of the United States and Canadian National Anthems prior to the NHL All-Star game at Chicago Stadium in January 1991 was replayed on every major network newscast across the country that evening.

This life-long, native Chicagoan's career has spanned thirty-years as a professional vocalist, radio broadcaster, musical theatre performer, narrator, voice-over artist and professional speaker. As a speaker, entertainer and broadcaster, his entertaining wit and sense of humor has made him a favorite for years among his audiences. Wayne also frequently performs with his wife Kathleen, also an accomplished actor and musical entertainer and a member of the 5-time Sweet Adelines International Champion Melodeers Chorus.

His portrayal of Father (Saint) Damien, the Leper Priest of Molokai in a one-man play, Damien by Aldyth Morris has received critical acclaim throughout the Chicago area. Damien was also successfully staged with a performance in Hawaii.

He is the co-founder of Wayne Messmer & Associates, LLC, a Chicago-based, financial services company specializing in building, protecting and preserving individual and family retirement assets.

The story of Wayne's miraculous comeback after being shot in the throat in an armed robbery attempt in April 1994 in Chicago has touched thousands of people across the country. His experience, recorded in his book, The Voice of Victory credits the courage and support of his wife Kathleen along with the "3-F's" of faith, family and friends as the source of his strength throughout the ordeal and along the road to recovery. He is also a respected spokesperson on the topic of forgiveness.

Wayne is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington where he received a bachelor's degree in Music Education, and Loyola University Chicago where he earned a Master's degree in counseling, and where he has taught sports marketing in the Graduate School of Business. He also earned a Ph.D. in Psychology from La Salle University.

He is a member of the (NSA) National Speakers Association, (SAG) Screen Actors Guild, and (AFTRA) American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. The Messmer Family resides in a northern suburb of Chicago. Wayne and Kathy are blessed to enjoy two grown daughters, three granddaughters and a grandson in their lives.