I.B.M. Member Profile

Fueled Mainly By Insight, Laughter, Caffeine, Data, And Shenanigans

About Dr. Tait Martin

For over two decades, Dr. Tait Martin has worked as a communication and marketing professional, helping organizations focus their outreach messages, build stronger relationships and develop programs that enhance their image with the people who matter most to them. Tait spends his days as the Chief Research Officer and Managing Partner of The Taproot Agency, an integrated marketing and research firm who works with clients ranging from international corporations and local nonprofit organizations to government agencies and universities. In addition to his work at Taproot, Tait lends his expertise to teaching the next generation of communicators and researchers. He currently is an affiliate professor of social marketing research in the College of Public Health at the University of South Florida and International Academic Colleague in the Research Center for Health, Environment and Education at the University of Cologne in Germany. A winner of some of his industry's most prestigious awards, including an Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the Silver Anvil from the Public Relations Society of America, Tait’s career includes stints as faculty member at four top-tier higher education institutions; communication director for one of the largest United Way organizations in the South; spokesperson for a major state government agency in Florida; marketing consultant to several industry and professional organizations; and a morning radio talk show host. When Tait isn’t working at Taproot, he enjoys playing with fire, striking hot iron and breaking glass. Tait is an avid glass artist and sculptor having studied at the prestigious Pilchuck Glass School in Stanhope, Washington. He has been an avid student of magic, conjuring, and the psychic arts since receiving a magic set for Christmas when he was 8 years old. Widely cited in both academic and industry circles, Tait holds a Ph.D. in Communication Theory and Research (emphasis in persuasion and cognitive processing) from Florida State University, as well as a dual Masters in Organizational and Interpersonal Communication from the University of Louisiana Lafayette. His undergraduate degree in journalism and public relations is from Northwestern State University. Tait also remains active in his fraternity, Theta Chi. He currently serves as International President on their Grand Chapter (International Board of Directors). Tait is originally from Cut Off, Louisiana...yes, it’s a real place. His wife Emily is a saint.