While in great demand nationally as a motivational and inspirational speaker, Wayne Messmer remains the voice most associated with 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 with 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 two-time Turner Cup champion Chicago Wolves Professional Hockey team of the AHL where he now serves in a consulting role as senior vice president.

Messmer was seen and heard as the announcer at two Major League Baseball All-Star games played in Chicago; at Comiskey Park in 1983, and Wrigley Field in 1990. His spirited rendition of the United States and Canadian anthems prior to the NHL All-Star game at Chicago Stadium in January 1991 has consistently been voted by fans to be among their greatest sports memories and unforgettable moments. The legendary performance was replayed on every major network newscast across the country that evening.

This life-long Chicagoan has amassed a career spanning over twenty years as a professional vocalist, radio broadcaster, musical theatre performer, voice-over and commercial jingle artist and public speaker among his credits. Wayne frequently performs with his wife Kathleen, a native of Park Ridge, IL and also an accomplished actress and musical entertainer. Video credits include numerous educational and training narrations. Film credits include a feature character role in the Universal Studios release, "The Babe," with John Goodman. He received a Chicago Emmy nomination for his TV work as the host of "Wolves TV." His motivational tape series, "Messmer-izing Moments" have been heard on radio and have been produced for commercial distribution and sale.

He is the founder of Wayne Messmer & Associates, a company specializing in the area of human development and interpersonal communications. Through a series of original workshops, the topics of life balance, time management and value centered management coaching are taught.

His entertaining wit and sense of humor has made him a favorite among the audiences with whom he visits. A hometown reader's poll of North Shore Magazine once listed him as Chicago's favorite personality, second only to Michael Jordan.

The story of his miraculous comeback after being shot in the throat in an armed robbery attempt in April 1994 has touched thousands of people across the country. His experience is recorded in his book, The Voice of Victory. He credits 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 has also become a nationally recognized spokesperson on the issue 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 Theocentric Psychology from La Salle University.

He is a member of the (NSA) National Speakers Association, (NSA-IL) National Speakers Association-Illinois, (SAG) Screen Actors Guild, and (AFTRA) American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

The Messmer's reside in Chicago. They have two beautiful, grown daughters, Jennifer and Stephanie.