Tait Cruse graduated in 1989 from UNT with a BBA in Finance. Throughout Tait’s years at UNT he had many professors that not only educated him, but took him under their wing and taught him many life skills that have contributed to his success today. It is for this reason that Tait returns to the UNT business school multiple times each semester to share some of this same knowledge to the current students in the classroom. It is this driving force to help others succeed,that has led to Tait’s investment in the Career Center and his on-going sponsorship of the Integrated Business Case Competition.

Tait is the Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual’s Dallas locations, responsible for all sales and service operations in the Dallas metropolitan area and east, extending to Western Arkansas. He leads more than 160 Financial Representatives and Advisors, along with a large support staff, at his organization’s primary office in Dallas and in additional offices located in Park Cities, Las Colinas, Addison, Allen, and Frisco.

A strong background of excellence has characterized Tait’s 24 year association with a company which has a history of attracting talent and drive. Northwestern Mutual is consistently voted one of FORTUNE® Magazine’s Most Admired Companies in the world. Since assuming leadership in 2004, Tait and his team of talented associates have propelled Northwestern Mutual - Dallas to be consistently recognized in the top three Northwestern Mutual Offices in the country. In 2010 Northwestern Mutual – Dallas was named #2 in the Dallas Morning News Top Places to Work, and Tait was named #1 CEO of mid-sized companies in the city. Currently, Northwestern Mutual - Dallas has in excess of $36 billion life insurance in force with annual premiums exceeding $206 million.

Tait supports numerous causes and organizations, including The University of North Texas, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, and the Team Connor Childhood Cancer Foundation (Founding Member). Tait and his wife Joy have five children—Mackenzie, Carson, Mason, Tyler, and Emma.