Wayne Messmer
Senior Executive Vice President
Best known for his stirring rendition of the National Anthem, Wayne Messmer sings the anthem prior to almost every Wolves home game. The Senior Executive Vice President also plays a crucial role in the team’s business operations and promotional work in the community.
Messmer’s association with sports began as the announcer/soloist with the Chicago Sting soccer team. From 1982-85, the Chicago native served as field announcer and soloist for the Chicago White Sox and he has maintained a professional association with the Chicago Cubs since 1985. Messmer also spent 13 seasons as the celebrated soloist for the Chicago Blackhawks. His performance prior to the 1991 NHL All-Star Game at Chicago Stadium continues to be recognized by fans as one of the greatest moments in hockey.
During the Wolves historic home opener on Oct. 14, 1994, Messmer made an emotional return to his craft. Before a sellout crowd at Allstate Arena, he sang the anthem publicly for the first time since he suffered a gunshot wound to the throat six months earlier.
Messmer is the founder of Wayne Messmer & Associates, a nationally recognized financial services firm. He is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, where he received a bachelor’s degree in music education, and Loyola University of Chicago, where he earned a master’s degree in counseling. Messmer also earned his Ph.D. in psychology from La Salle University. He is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). In July 2015, he received the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association, which is the NSA’s highest award. Messmer and his wife, Kathleen, who often accompanies Wayne when singing the anthem, have two daughters — Jennifer and Stephanie –- and live in Glenview.
