Wayne Magee

Author, Conductor & Educator

Wayne’s mission is to develop the next leaders and organizations to be sources of positive influence by first helping them understand the framework necessary to overcome every hardship imaginable. Life is tough, people can be cruel, and no one knows this better than Wayne. At birth, he was diagnosed with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), which is a rare genetic skeletal disorder that affects one in one million people. Despite the prognosis that Wayne would not see life past the age of two, he persevered. By God’s grace, Wayne continues to defy the odds each day and dedicates his life to teaching others on how to prove the statistics wrong. 

Today, Wayne is determined to share the secrets hidden within you to conquer impossible challenges. Through his own life story, Wayne’s book inspires readers to see hardships as challenges made to be overcome. Inspire your mindset so you can alter the course of your life with Wayne’s first book, Tough Blows: A Lifelong Journey of Defying the Odds.

Wayne Magee is a dynamic higher education administrator, educator, and conductor whose career spans leadership development, student affairs, and music education. He currently serves as the Assistant Director of Student Affairs and Residential Life at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where he has been a cornerstone of the student affairs department since 2008. His portfolio includes overseeing student conduct, leadership development, advising student organizations, and managing crisis response and residential operations. Additionally, he serves as Director of Bands, Honor Guard, and Drill Team. The organization, better known as the "Pride of the Regiment," has garnered national acclaim under his stewardship, performing annually in Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C., as well as receiving numerous invitations to perform internationally.

Wayne Magee’s academic credentials include a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Wind Band Conducting from Messiah University,  a Master of Science in Leadership from Northeastern University, and a Bachelor of Music, cum laude, from Youngstown State University. His education has been enriched through mentorship by esteemed conductors and musicians, and he continues to inspire students in his role as a senior lecturer at Bridgewater State University, where he teaches courses in Organizational Behavior and Strategic Management.

An accomplished author, Wayne has written Tough Blows: A Life Journey Defying the Odds and published several articles in respected academic and music education journals. He is a frequent guest conductor and presenter, with appearances at institutions such as Yale University and professional conferences like the College Band Directors National Association Eastern Division Conference.

Beyond academia, Wayne is the founder of WDM 4:13 Company, where he serves as a speaker and coach, specializing in leadership and resilience. His media presence includes features in podcasts, university news outlets, and national publications. He holds multiple professional certifications and remains actively involved in associations, including the National Band Association and the College Band Directors National Association.

Wayne Magee’s career exemplifies a commitment to service, leadership, and excellence, making a profound impact on students, colleagues, and the broader educational and musical communities.