Biography
Mayor Wayne M. Messam is a proud first-generation American, born to Jamaican parents and raised in South Bay, Florida. A lifelong athlete and leader, he earned a full athletic scholarship to Florida State University (FSU), where he excelled both academically and athletically. As a wide receiver, he was a member of the 1993 National Championship football team under Coach Bobby Bowden and later played briefly in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. In 1996, the FSU Black Alumni Association honored him as “Student of the Year” for his outstanding achievements as a student-athlete. He graduated from FSU in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems.
Mayor Messam is also a successful entrepreneur and a Licensed General Contractor and LEED Accredited Professional. Alongside his wife, Angela Messam, also a licensed general contractor, he co-founded Messam Construction, a minority-owned firm recognized across Florida for delivering high-quality projects in the education, aviation, and healthcare sectors. The Messams have three adult children—Wayne II and twin daughters, Kayla and Kyla—and have proudly called Miramar home for over 25 years.
In 2011, Mayor Messam was elected to the Miramar City Commission, and in 2015, he made history as the City’s first Black Mayor. Now serving his third term, Mayor Messam is the immediate past President of the Florida League of Mayors, a National Trustee of the African-American Mayors Association, and an Advisory Board Member of the National League of Cities.
Under his leadership, Miramar has experienced a remarkable transformation. The City, now home to nearly 150,000 residents, has been nationally recognized as a Smart50 City and an All-America City. Miramar boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation, fueled by strategic investments in affordable workforce and senior housing, and the attraction of Fortune 500 companies that have helped reduce unemployment to just 3.1%.
Mayor Messam’s forward-thinking leadership during the Great Recession led to the creation of a pivotal 2013 Revenue Bond, which financed vital community infrastructure. These projects include the LEED Gold Certified Police Headquarters, the Historic Miramar Public Safety Complex, Miramar Amphitheater, Shirley Branca Park Bandshell, an Adult Daycare Center, Fire Station 107, and numerous park upgrades across the city. His continued focus on sustainability, resilience, and innovation has positioned Miramar as a destination for entertainment, a leader in EV infrastructure, and a city building toward a cleaner, smarter future.
His priorities center on workforce development, housing, public safety, and youth enrichment. Mayor Messam has also championed community health and wellness through initiatives such as free yoga classes, an annual 5K run and health fair, and educational programs like the Miramar Aviation Expo, which introduces children to careers in aviation and technology.
A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Boulé), Mayor Wayne M. Messam’s legacy is rooted in public service, equity, and empowerment. Through visionary leadership and tireless dedication, he continues to shape a vibrant and inclusive future for the residents and businesses of the City of Miramar.