I began my career in Delaware politics managing the successful mayoral campaign of James Baker in Wilmington and went on to serve as a senior advisor, helping lead multiple re-election efforts. I've also worked at the state and national level, including leading the Delaware Democratic Party's Coordinated Campaign and serving as a National Committeeman. In 2005, I founded Ruggerio Willson Watson, which has grown into one of Delaware's top government relations firms. Today, I also serve as Interim Head of Government Relations at the University of Delaware and teach lobbying and influence at the Biden School of Public Policy. Throughout my career, I've focused on building strong relationships and delivering strategic advocacy that drives results.
1) ABILITY NETWORK OF DELAWARE
2) ALLIANCE OF AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS INC.
4) AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COS.
5) AMERICAN MASSAGE THERAPY ASSOC.
8) APPLE INC.
9) ARMORY FILMS
10) ARTESIAN RESOURCES AND ITS AFFLILIATES
11) ASSOCIATION FOR ACCESSIBLE MEDICINES
12) ASSOCIATION OF COASTAL TOWNS
13) ATHLETICO PHYSICAL THERAPY
15) BRAVEN
17) CABLE TV ASSOCIATION OF MD & DE
18) CARFAX INC.
21) CHEMICAL INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF DELAWARE INC.
22) CHRISTIANA CARE CORPORATION
23) CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
24) COMCAST CORP. AND ITS AFFILIATES
25) COMMUNITY EDUCATION BUILDING
27) CONDUENT INC. AND ITS AFFILIATES
28) CORRECTIONAL OFFICER'S ASSN. OF DELAWARE
29) CRODA INC.
30) DAILY PAY
31) DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
32) DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
34) DELAWARE CHARTER SCHOOL NETWORK
35) DELAWARE CITY REFINING COMPANY
36) DELAWARE COMPENSATION RATING BUREAU INC.
37) DELAWARE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES ASSOCIATION
38) DELAWARE HOTEL LODGING ASSN.
39) DELAWARE PARK MANAGEMENT COMPANY LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES
40) DELAWARE POLICE CHIEFS COUNCIL INC
45) EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY ACTION FUND
46) FAITHFUL FRIENDS
47) FMC CORPORATION
48) HEALTHCARE DISTRIBUTION ALLIANCE C/O MULTISTATE ASSOCIATION LLC
50) HI-CONE
51) HOME BUILDER ASSN. OF DELAWARE
52) IBOTTA INC.
53) IMPACT LIFE INC.
54) INDEPENDENT PAYROLL PROVIDER ASSOCIATION
55) INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY MARKETS ASSOC.
56) KENT SUSSEX LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE
57) KOOTH USA LLC
58) METRC
59) MODAXO TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT USA INC.
61) NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS (NAPEO)
63) OBVIO AI
65) OPHELIA
66) ORSTED
69) REHOBOTH-DEWEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
70) RHETT RUGGERIO GOVERNMENT RELATIONS LLC
71) RICHARDS LAYTON & FINGER P.A.
72) RUGGERIO WILLSON & ASSOCIATES LLC.
75) STUBHUB
79) UNITE USA INC. DBA UNITE US
81) UNITED MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF DELAWARE
82) UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE - OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
84) VSP VISION INC. C/O MUTLISTATE ASSOCIATES LLC
86) WILLIE'S REMEDY+
87) XEROX BUSINESS SERVICES LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES
88) ZSCALER
20+ years
Named one of the "Top 20 Most Influential in Politics and Business" by the Wilmington News Journal and DelawareOnline.com for four consecutive years (2021-2024).
In 2022, the RWW team was named some of the most influential Delawareans in politics by the Delaware News Journal.
In 2025, I chaired the inaugural festivities for Governor Matt Meyer.
I currently serve as Interim Head of Government Relations at the University of Delaware, sit on the boards of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and UD's Department of Political Science, and teach Lobbying and Influence at University of Delaware's Joseph R. Biden School of Public Policy.
On Attorney General Kathy Jennings Finance Committee On Congresswoman McBride's Finance Committee
Led the Delaware Democratic Party's Coordinated Campaign, including the late Beau Biden's election as Attorney General, and served as a National Committeeman and super delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
Rhett Ruggerio launched his political career in Wilmington, Delaware, managing the successful 2000 mayoral campaign of James M. Baker. He went on to serve as a top advisor to the Mayor, chairing two re-election campaigns and helping secure three terms in office. Rhett also led the Delaware Democratic Party's Coordinated Campaign, including the late Beau Biden's election as Attorney General, and served as a National Committeeman and super delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
In 2025, he chaired the inaugural festivities for Governor Matt Meyer.
Rhett founded Ruggerio Willson & Associates in 2005 (now Ruggerio Willson Watson), a top-ranked firm in Delaware. He's been named one of the "Top 20 Most Influential in Politics and Business" by the Wilmington News Journal and DelawareOnline.com for four consecutive years (2021-2024).
Currently, Rhett serves as Interim Head of Government Relations at the University of Delaware, sits on the boards of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and UD's Department of Political Science, and teaches Lobbying and Influence at University of Delaware's Joseph R. Biden School of Public Policy.
Outside of work, Rhett enjoys time at the Delaware beaches, walking his pups Ted and Dixie - or chauffeuring his wife and daughters on a shopping run.
I'm a government relations professional with deep experience in Delaware's legislative and political landscape. I began my career with the Delaware General Assembly, where I developed a strong understanding of the legislative process, and later joined Ruggerio Willson Watson. In my current role, I help clients develop and execute strategic advocacy efforts that drive policy change, secure funding, and build meaningful relationships with state leaders. My work spans key issue areas including education, energy, and healthcare. Recognized as one of the state's most active lobbyists and part of a team named among Delaware's most influential political voices, I bring both policy expertise and strong stakeholder relationships to all of my work.
1) ABILITY NETWORK OF DELAWARE
2) ALLIANCE OF AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS INC.
4) AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COS.
5) AMERICAN MASSAGE THERAPY ASSOC.
8) APPLE INC.
9) ARMORY FILMS
10) ARTESIAN RESOURCES AND ITS AFFLILIATES
11) ASSOCIATION FOR ACCESSIBLE MEDICINES
12) ASSOCIATION OF COASTAL TOWNS
13) ATHLETICO PHYSICAL THERAPY
15) BRAVEN
17) CABLE TV ASSOCIATION OF MD & DE
18) CARFAX INC.
20) CHEMICAL INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF DELAWARE INC.
21) CHRISTIANA CARE CORPORATION
22) CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
23) COMCAST CORP. AND ITS AFFILIATES
24) COMMUNITY EDUCATION BUILDING
26) CONDUENT INC. AND ITS AFFILIATES
27) CORRECTIONAL OFFICER'S ASSN. OF DELAWARE
28) CRODA INC.
29) DAILY PAY
30) DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
31) DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
33) DELAWARE CHARTER SCHOOL NETWORK
34) DELAWARE CITY REFINING COMPANY
35) DELAWARE COMPENSATION RATING BUREAU INC.
36) DELAWARE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES ASSOCIATION
37) DELAWARE HOTEL LODGING ASSN.
39) DELAWARE POLICE CHIEFS COUNCIL INC
44) EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY ACTION FUND
45) FAITHFUL FRIENDS
46) FMC CORPORATION
47) HEALTHCARE DISTRIBUTION ALLIANCE C/O MULTISTATE ASSOCIATION LLC
49) HI-CONE
50) HOME BUILDER ASSN. OF DELAWARE
51) IBOTTA INC.
52) IMPACT LIFE INC.
53) INDEPENDENT PAYROLL PROVIDER ASSOCIATION
54) INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY MARKETS ASSOC.
55) KENT SUSSEX LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE
56) KOOTH USA LLC
57) METRC
58) MODAXO TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT USA INC.
60) NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS (NAPEO)
62) OBVIO AI
64) OPHELIA
65) ORSTED
68) REHOBOTH-DEWEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
69) RICHARDS LAYTON & FINGER P.A.
70) RUGGERIO WILLSON & ASSOCIATES LLC.
73) STUBHUB
77) UNITE USA INC. DBA UNITE US
79) UNITED MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF DELAWARE
80) UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE - OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
82) VSP VISION INC. C/O MUTLISTATE ASSOCIATES LLC
84) WILLIE'S REMEDY+
85) XEROX BUSINESS SERVICES LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES
86) ZSCALER
11-15 years
Deemed by the Delaware State News as the most active lobbyist based on the number of bills registered
In 2022, Verity and the RWW team were named some of the most influential Delawareans in politics by the Delaware News Journal.
Listed as a member of 40 under 40 in 2023
Served as President and Grants Chair of the Next Generation-South, a local organization that supports nonprofits in Kent and Sussex counties and Secretary of Spur Impact, the nonprofit that puts on the annual Mill Summit.
Served on the school board for First State Military Academy, a public charter school in Kent County. On Lt. Governors Gay's Finance Committee
Staffed a bi-partisain legislative joint committee
Verity Watson joined Ruggerio Willson Watson in 2016 after working for the Delaware General Assembly where she gained an intimate understanding of the legislative process, policy analysis experience, and built strong working relationships with elected officials and state agency leaders. In her current role, Verity guides clients in the creation and execution of strategic government relations plans that result in policy changes, monetary investments, and relationship building with elected officials and government leaders. She works in policy areas ranging from education to energy to health.
During the 2018 legislative session, Verity was deemed by the Delaware State News as the most active lobbyist based on the number of bills registered. In 2022, Verity and the RWA team were named some of the most influential Delawareans in politics by the Delaware News Journal. She was recognized by the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police for her advocacy.
Verity has served as President and Grants Chair of the Next Generation-South, a local organization that supports nonprofits in Kent and Sussex counties and Secretary of Spur Impact, the nonprofit that puts on the annual Mill Summit. She also served on the school board for First State Military Academy, a public charter school in Kent County. Verity spends much of her free time at the Cape Henlopen and Seashore State Park beaches with her husband and young daughter and son.
