Jay Markham Joins Great Wolf Resorts as Chief Financial Officer

(IN SHORT) Great Wolf Resorts has appointed longtime finance leader Jay Markham as CFO. Markham, previously Senior Vice President of Finance, will oversee the company’s Finance, Accounting, and Procurement functions and join the executive team to drive growth, operational efficiency, and guest‑experience enhancements. He will manage a 110‑member finance organization, support recent lodge openings, and advise on future developments. Markham brings over 20 years of financial leadership, including roles at Golub Capital and Ernst & Young, and holds finance degrees from Wake Forest University.

(PRESS RELEASE) CHICAGO, IL, 2025-Jul-15 — /Travel PR News/ — Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. has named Jay Markham as its new Chief Financial Officer, tapping into his two decades of expertise in strategic finance and operational leadership across hospitality and financial services. In his expanded role, Markham will lead the Finance, Accounting, and Procurement teams and join Great Wolf’s executive leadership to spearhead the company’s transformation and growth strategies.

Markham’s journey at Great Wolf spans over a decade, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Finance, where he oversaw Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and Procurement. As CFO, he will guide a finance and accounting organization of more than 110 “Pack Members,” focusing on profitable growth, enhanced guest experiences, and streamlined operations. He will also provide financial oversight for five new Great Wolf Lodge openings in the past 30 months and advise on future development and capital investments.

“Jay’s elevation to CFO reflects not only his professional merits but also the trust he’s earned company‑wide and with our shareholders,” said John Murphy, CEO of Great Wolf Resorts. “His deep financial acumen and intimate knowledge of our business will be instrumental as we expand and continue delivering exceptional guest experiences.”

“I’m honored to assume the CFO role at a company that has supported my growth for 12 years,” said Markham. “Collaborating with such dedicated colleagues has been a privilege, and I look forward to driving continued innovation and growth.”

Before Great Wolf, Markham was Corporate Controller at Golub Capital, a leading direct lender with over $75 billion in assets under management. He began his career at Ernst & Young LLP, rising to Senior Auditor. A Certified Public Accountant, he holds a B.S. in Analytical Finance and an MSA in Accountancy from Wake Forest University. He resides in Wheaton, Illinois, with his wife and two children, and enjoys his kids’ soccer and dance events and playing golf.

For more on Great Wolf Resorts and its indoor water park destinations, visit www.greatwolf.com.

Great Wolf Lodge
Jason Lasecki
VP of Corporate Communications
Phone: 708.967.3325
Email: PRTeam@GreatWolf.com

SOURCE: Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.