Legacy Community Health Announces New Chief Operating Officer: Aaron Stewart

HOUSTON, TX (February 9, 2026) – Legacy Community Health, Texas’ largest Federally Qualified Health Center, announces the appointment of Aaron Stewart as its new Chief Operating Officer. With over two decades of experience leading multi‑site health care organizations, he is known for improving operations, supporting provider alignment, and elevating patient experience. Stewart’s background strengthens Legacy’s efforts to expand access to high‑quality, compassionate care across our communities.

His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the organization. Legacy continues to expand access to care across the region. Last year, the organization added two new School‑Based Health Care clinics, solidifying its position as the largest school‑based clinic provider in Texas. This year, Legacy will open new community clinics in Acres Homes and Pasadena, extending essential services to even more patients and neighborhoods. Stewart’s operational expertise will help ensure this growth is supported by strong, sustainable systems.

“Aaron brings a proven ability to strengthen operations and support teams, along with a deep commitment to community‑based care,” said Robert Palussek, Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Community Health. “His leadership style reflects the values that define Legacy — integrity, compassion, accountability, and a relentless focus on patient‑centered care. We are thrilled to welcome him into this role and confident he will help guide Legacy through our next chapter of growth and transformation.”

Stewart most recently served as a Regional Administrator at Houston Methodist, where he oversaw a multi-million dollar regional portfolio and several service lines. Before that, he served as Market Chief Operating Officer at VillageMD, guiding multi‑site operations and implementing improvements in clinical access, provider performance, and financial sustainability. Earlier roles in renal care further shaped his approach to operational excellence and team development.

His leadership philosophy is rooted in faith, stewardship, and servant leadership — principles that shape his approach to ethical decision‑making and caring for people beyond processes. Growing up in underserved communities and benefiting from community‑based health care informed his belief that everyone deserves equitable, high‑quality care close to home.

“I am honored to join Legacy Community Health at such an important moment in its history,” said Aaron Stewart, Chief Operating Officer. “Legacy’s mission resonates deeply with me — ensuring that every individual has access to compassionate, high‑quality care, without judgment or exception. I look forward to supporting our teams, strengthening our systems, and helping expand the reach and impact of this incredible organization.”

As COO, Stewart will oversee Legacy’s daily operations, working across all service lines to support staff, enhance the patient experience, and advance the agency’s system‑wide performance. His leadership will help strengthen the operational foundation needed to support Legacy’s growing network of clinics and reinforce our mission to provide high‑quality care without judgment or exception.

Stewart holds a Master of Health Care Administration from Strayer University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from North Carolina Central University. He is a proud husband, father, and grandfather. Outside of work, he enjoys sports and is a self‑described barbecue master — a detail colleagues say reflects his warm, approachable nature.

 

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About Legacy Community Health

Legacy Community Health is a full-service health care system comprised of 63 locations in the Texas Gulf Coast region offering primary and specialty care, as well as pharmacy services. For over 40 years, Legacy has been innovating the ways we provide comprehensive, quality health care services to individuals, families, and communities in need. As the largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Texas and a United Way-affiliated agency since 1990, Legacy ensures its services and programs are open to all, regardless of the ability to pay—without judgment or exception. To learn more, visit www.legacycommunityhealth.org.