Volunteer Voices: Spotlight on Jared Lee

Our first Volunteer Voice of 2026 is Jared Lee – Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Legacy Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Allen, Texas. Jared was recently recognized for his service on the AAOE Elections Council. We appreciate the important work he does for our association.  Thank you to Jared for sharing these insights with us.

What made you decide to volunteer with AAOE, and what words of encouragement do you have for others who may consider doing so?

AAOE’s strength and ultimate value is directly tied to the member involvement. Seeing colleagues take active roles over the last several years made me reconsider my passive stance. If you’re thinking about joining in, know that your voice matters—fresh perspectives keep us dynamic and prevent stagnation. I feel positive about my experience on the Elections Council and appreciate the Council’s collaborative, strategic, and thoughtful process.

Which AAOE benefit or service do you use most and why?

AAOE’s Collaborate forum alone justifies the annual membership fee. It provides nationwide insights across time. This time piece is critical, as what was possibly a failed rollout in 2018 for an idea may be the perfect solution in today’s climate. I’ve often found vendor threads with years of updates, reflecting ongoing improvements. As a living repository, Collaborate offers a “phone‑a‑friend” experience through members’ shared ideas, opinions, and experiences.

Why are you enthusiastic about the orthopedic practice profession?

Orthopedics is constantly evolving, offering opportunities for innovation and improvement. My core passion is supporting independent physicians who wish to remain independent. With so much consolidation and everchanging landscape, having the ability to help guide independent physicians has been a rewarding part of my career.

Gratitude to Jared for his dedicated service to AAOE – and all the best to each of you for a very happy new year!