J. Taggart Birge

NCHS Class of 1989

Tag Birge’s lifelong dedication to excellence has earned him a well-deserved place in the North Central High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

 

Taking on the Tennis World

A standout student‑athlete at a small private school, Tag came to North Central for its tennis program and helped lead the Panthers to three state championships. His senior team was recognized as the best in Indiana, reflecting not only athletic excellence but disciplined teamwork.

Career Beginnings

Following graduation, Tag earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Indiana University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law. He began his career as a real estate attorney, eventually becoming a partner at Bose McKinney before taking an entrepreneurial leap in 2008. 

Leading the way

Today, Tag is President and CEO of Cornerstone Companies, one of the nation’s leading healthcare real estate firms, managing more than 13 million square feet of medical properties across 25 states. Under his leadership, Cornerstone has grown into a fully integrated platform with five core service lines and a national footprint. Over his 25‑year career, Tag has structured and financed more than $2 billion in healthcare real estate developments. He also serves as CEO of Birge & Held, a multifamily real estate investment and management firm overseeing $4 billion in assets nationwide.

Giving Back

Equally defining is Tag’s commitment to service and philanthropy. His lifelong belief in expanding access to opportunity, particularly for diverse and underserved communities, has translated into transformative support for education, healthcare, and the arts. Most meaningful to him is a $1 million endowment benefiting North Central High School’s English as a New Language (ENL) program. He is also deeply proud of scholarship initiatives benefiting first‑generation and minority college students, including programs that help students develop the skills needed to fully participate in and contribute to the economy.

In November 2025, Tag and his wife, Marta Rainero Birge, made a $1 million philanthropic gift to Marian University to establish a multi‑year scholarship fund and leadership program designed to support and develop future Marian University students.

Tag serves on numerous civic and nonprofit boards, including Indiana Sports Corp, the Indiana University Health Foundation, and Tindley Schools, and was recognized as the Indianapolis Business Journal’s 2025 Philanthropist of the Year. Through leadership, generosity, and purpose, he continues to reflect the very best of what it means to be a Panther.

________

Looking for ways you can support North Central High School and Washington Township Schools? Donate today and help our foundation support programs to enhance the educational experience for our students and provide resources for MSDWT teachers and staff.