Celebrating Excellence: 2025 AAOE Award Winners Announced
Each year at the AAOE Annual Conference, we take time to recognize the outstanding leaders, innovators, and contributors who exemplify excellence in orthopedic practice management. These individuals and organizations not only advance our profession but also embody the values that define the AAOE community: collaboration, service, innovation, and integrity.
We are proud to announce and celebrate the 2025 AAOE Award Winners, whose dedication and leadership continue to inspire and elevate our field.
Jim P. Kidd Receives 2025 AAOE Lifetime Achievement Award
AAOE is honored to present the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award to Jim P. Kidd, CEO of Advanced Bone and Joint in St. Louis, Missouri. A member since 2004, Jim has spent over two decades leading with vision and heart. His contributions—from expanding multisite operations to driving major AAOE initiatives—have left a lasting imprint on the organization and the orthopedic community.
Read more about Jim’s incredible legacy here.
Steven P. Fiore Named 2025 Collaborate Champion
Steven P. Fiore, MBA, FACMPE, has been named the 2025 Collaborate Champion in recognition of his unwavering engagement in AAOE’s online community. A member for nearly 40 years and past AAOE President, Steve continues to share strategic insights and peer-to-peer support through many avenues, including the online Collaborate community, strengthening the fabric of your member network.
Discover Steve’s impact here.
Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee Named 2025 Innovator of the Year
Led by CEO John Reynolds, MBA, FACMPE, the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee has earned the title of 2025 Innovator of the Year. This honor recognizes the organization’s groundbreaking work in integrating AI into daily operations, enhancing patient access, and cultivating a culture of both high-tech care and human connection.
Explore the practice’s innovative journey here.
Ruschell Gladden Named 2025 Volunteer of the Year
AAOE proudly honors Ruschell Gladden, Director of Patient Access at Midlands Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery, as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year. Her leadership on the Membership Council and DEI Task Force, combined with her inspiring mentorship and energy, represent the very best of AAOE volunteerism.
Learn more about Ruschell’s contributions here.
Erika Noll Named 2025 Practice Executive of the Year
Erika Noll, OTR/L, CHT, Chief Operating Officer of Peachtree Orthopedics, is the 2025 Practice Executive of the Year. Erika is celebrated for her exceptional leadership, especially during times of rapid growth and unexpected challenge. Her advocacy for women in leadership and patient-centered strategies position her as a role model across the field.
Read Erika’s story here.
2025 President’s Award – Smita Mathews and Krista Armstrong
This year’s President’s Award recognizes Smita Mathews and Krista Armstrong for their selfless and unwavering support of AAOE President Joseph Mathews, PT, DPT. Smita, the President’s wife, and Krista, a longtime colleague and leader at Advanced Orthopaedics, were honored for their behind-the-scenes dedication that empowered Joseph’s leadership and helped drive AAOE’s mission forward.
See why Smita and Krista were chosen for this honor here.
Savannah Galyon Named 2025 Rising Star of the Year
The Rising Star of the Year Award honors an AAOE member with one to four years of experience in the field who demonstrates a strong commitment to their organization and the orthopedic industry as a whole. Galyon’s journey at the Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance exemplifies the very spirit of this recognition—one marked by initiative, growth, and service. Read more here.
These recipients exemplify what it means to lead, serve, and innovate in the world of orthopedic practice management. AAOE is proud to shine a light on their achievements and thankful for the impact they make on our community.
Congratulations to all our 2025 award winners!