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.

15-20 years

In 2022, Kim and the RWW team were named some of the most influential Delawareans in politics by the Delaware News Journal.

Named to the 40 under 40 in 2016

Women in Business Honoree in 2021

Worked with Sen. Tom Carper as a key staffer on his Senate campaign in 2026.

Gubernatorial appointment to the Delaware Community Foundation board.

Worked on various campaigns in a fundraising position.

Kim Willson has been interested in politics for as long as she can remember and comes to Ruggerio Willson & Associates with extensive experience. Her diverse background, which covers statewide and Senatorial campaigns, local community organizations and work in the non-profit sector as well as Fortune 500 companies positions her as an immediate contributor to the success of RWW.

Kim's first foray into local politics started in college when she began working for the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association's (DVFA) administration. Her role with the DVFA provided Kim with first-hand knowledge of how local organizations and governments work together. It also gave her hands-on experience in cultivating those relationships, which is a skill vital to success in all aspects of government relations. Kim's next step was into national politics, serving as State Scheduler and Executive Assistant for United States Senator Tom Carper (D-DE). During this time, Kim was in daily communication with the Senator and served as the first point of contact for anyone trying to schedule meetings or events with him. She worked with both the Delaware and Washington, D.C. staff, and played an integral role in Senator Carper's successful 2006 Senate Re-Election Campaign.

Kim then entered the non-profit sector as the Program Manager for Vision 2015, an education reform program focused on transforming public education in Delaware to a world-class status. During her tenure with Vision 2015, Kim's daily interactions were with various school officials, the Department of Education, the University of Delaware Provosts, as well as state, local, and federal elected officials to further the mission, gain support, and work towards securing funding to continue the growth of the program.

Following her time with Vision 2015, Kim returned to the political campaign arena, serving as Regional Field Director in Kent County (DE) for the 2008 Delaware Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign. While there, Kim worked intimately with local, state, and federal elected officials and party leaders to ensure a Democratic win from the presidential race to the local offices, along with helping to secure a democratic majority in the Delaware House of Representatives.

Most recently, Kim led Government Relations for Valero Energy Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, in Delaware. During her tenure with Valero, Kim served as the face of Valero in Delaware, representing the company in the community but also working with members of Delaware's government on all levels, including the congressional delegation, State House of Representatives, State Senate, various state agencies, and the office of the governor. Kim worked to educate all parties about the refinery. She also helped to pull together union and state business leaders in order to stop a piece of legislation that would have cost Valero several million dollars.

Kim is married with two daughters. She is very involved with the local organization, Gals that Give. Aside from the beach, her favorite hang-outs are the local Crossfit box and yummy locally-owned restaurants.

20+ years

Champion of Recovery by Maryland Recovery Organization Connecting Communities, 2013

Achievement Award BY Maryland Association of Community Services in 2011 for leadership in securing passage of legislation to increase the alcohol tax that provides funding for services to people with developmental disabilities and other health care needs

Innovator of the Year for the Leadership in Disabilities Policy, Daily Record, 2010

Fighting the Opioid Overdose Crisis -- Passage of several pieces of legislation that address the opioid overdose crisis and other addiction treatment and recovery services, including funding for treatment providers, the removal of prior authorizations for certain medication, funding for behavioral health crisis services, guidance on opioid prescribing practices, education requirements in public school systems, and harm reduction measures;

Support for People with Disabilities -- Passage of legislation to provide significant increases to public assistance support to people with disabilities;

Prenatal and Newborn Services -- Passage of legislation establishing the Thrive by Three fund to support services to low income families and newborns;

Workforce Development -- Passage of legislation making changes to the social worker licensing law to promote and support the workforce;

Homelessness Prevention -- Defeat of legislation putting low income tenants at greater risk of unjust evictions; and

Delinquency Prevention -- Protected funding for services to at-risk youth and their families

Ann has relationships with the 188 members of the Maryland General Assembly and their staff, with strong ties to those on the health, judicial and budgetary committees. This includes relationships with staff in the Senate President's and House Speaker's offices. Ann has relationships with many people in the executive branch, including staff in the Governor's office; staff in many of the state agencies, including Health, Human Services, Juvenile Services, Public Safety and Correctional Services, Legislative Services, and Labor, Licensing and Regulation; and staff in many executive bodies, including the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, the Human Relations Commission, and the Governor's Office for Children.

Ann T. Ciekot is a founding partner of Public Policy Partners. Ann has more than 25 years of experience in government relations and public policy work in Maryland. Ann started in this field working for 10 years in statewide nonprofit advocacy organizations working on policy issues regarding affordable housing, homelessness and eviction prevention, public assistance programs, substance use disorder treatment and recovery, and funding for programs in each of these areas. In 2002, Ann became a founding partner of Binderman and Ciekot, a lobbying firm representing health and social justice issues. Since 2006, Ann has been part of Public Policy Partners, a firm growing in size and scope of work. Ann conducts regular trainings for organizations and both graduate and undergraduate school classes on aspects of Maryland government and how to effectively influence policy makers. Ann is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland and is a life-long resident of the state.

0-5 years

Staffed the Sunset, Judiciary, and Telecommunications committees in the House

Staffed Delaware first AI Commission

I previously served as a Legislative Aide in the Delaware House of Representatives, supporting Krista Griffith, Stell Parker Selby, and Cyndie Romer. In this role, I staffed the House Sunset Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Technology and Telecommunications Committee, providing legislative research, tracking, and administrative support.

I also staffed Delaware's first Artificial Intelligence Commission, supporting a 23-member body responsible for advising state leaders and agencies on the responsible use of AI and the development of statewide policy recommendations.

Through my work in the House, I developed strong professional relationships with members of both the House and Senate through committee work, legislative collaboration, and constituent services.

Ryan discovered his passion for public policy and the legislative process during an internship with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, where he saw firsthand how inclusive participation leads to more responsive and equitable governance. He went on to serve as a Legislative Aide in the Delaware House of Representatives, where he was responsible for researching, tracking, and drafting legislation, supporting multiple legislative committees, and managing constituent relations.

During his tenure, Ryan gained hands-on experience supporting Delaware's first Artificial Intelligence Commission, established by the 152nd General Assembly through House Bill 333. In this role, he staffed a diverse group of 23 members tasked with advising state leaders and agencies on the responsible use of AI. The Commission develops statewide policies and guidelines that promote innovative service improvements while safeguarding citizens' rights and identifying high-risk areas across government. He also supported the House Judiciary Committee, the Technology and Telecommunications Committee, and the Sunset Committee.

In addition to his government service, Ryan has been actively involved in several political campaigns, gaining valuable insights into the intersection of policy, public engagement, and effective governance.

Ryan earned his Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Delaware. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family on the Eastern Shore, staying active at the gym, and cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles.

Evelyn (Evie) Zois Sweeney joined MHSA in 2011. Evie previously lobbied on behalf of a multitude of corporate, non-profit and municipal clients at Dykema Gossett, PLLC. She has extensive experience with state procurement, local government and the appropriations process, specifically higher education, capital outlay, corrections and general government.

Prior to joining Dykema, Evie served as a legislative assistant to the Senate Appropriations Chair and Clerk for the Senate Appropriations Committee and Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee. In addition to shepherding legislative agendas through the process, she was responsible for monitoring several departmental budgets, including corrections, community health and general government.

Evie is a 2004 graduate fellow of Michigan State University's Michigan Political Leadership Program, a multi-partisan leadership training program. Evie also serves as co-chair of the gift acquisition committee for the Children's Trust Fund, is involved with Habitat for Humanity and serves on the Michigan Political Leadership Program's Finance Committee. Evie also had the privilege of working on Governor Rick Snyder's 2011 Inaugural Executive Committee.

Evie graduated from Michigan State University's James Madison College with honors and earned a bachelor of arts degree. She was a double major in International Relations and Sociology. Evie also served as a research assistant at St. Peter's College, University of Oxford, Oxford England.

Evie and her husband Matt reside in DeWitt with their daughter and son.

Sandi Jones joined MHSA in 1996 and became a member in 2003. She adds over 20 years of governmental and community relations experience to the MHSA team and is considered one of Lansing's top ten lobbyists and one of the most powerful female lobbyists in Michigan.

Specializing in appropriations, judiciary, mental health, long term care, law enforcement, criminal justice, and education issues, Sandi enjoys influencing change in the legislative and regulatory processes.

Sandi holds a bachelor's degree in Communications with a minor in Marketing and a Master's in Public Administration, both from Western Michigan University (WMU). She holds the distinction of being the first female to have served as the president of the student body at WMU. Sandi is a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration, the Michigan Political History Society, the American Society for Public Administrators and is a founding member of In Forum and The White House Project.

In addition to her education-related organizations and associations, Sandi is a member of the March of Dimes Board of Directors, the Michigan Society of Association Executives, the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, and the Children's Trust Fund. She is currently Chair of the Public Affairs Committee for the Michigan Chapter of the March of Dimes. She has helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity and facilitates mock law-making sessions with the Michigan Youth Leadership Forum, a program to introduce high school students with disabilities to state government. She also sits on the Board of Directors of Montessori Children's House of Lansing and volunteers for various other youth initiatives, including her favorite, Impact Lansing.

Sandi and her husband John reside in Mason with their five children.

Adrian joined MHSA in 2002, and became a member of Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, LLC in 2015. Prior to that, he served as the Assistant Vice President of Legislative Relations for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Adrian collaborated with key stakeholders to improve Michigan's business climate with high profile legislation such as Next Energy and the establishment of the Broadband Authority. Adrian was also influential during the passage of legislation to create the Metropolitan Airport Authority Act, which was responsible for the building and modernization of the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Respected as one of Lansing's top lobbyists, Adrian specializes in economic development, energy and technology, environmental, insurance, banking and tax policy issues. Recent accomplishments include the passage of legislation that gave Jackson National the ability to expand their business. Adrian secured state investment for the Farmers Insurance expansion and the JW Marriott Hotel, both in Grand Rapids. He has been instrumental in the last three business tax code rewrites and worked on legislation to standardize college entrance testing.

Prior to his work at the MEDC, Adrian was the Legislative Liaison for the Department of Management and Budget where he was responsible for securing funding to build the Hall of Justice, Constitution Hall and the Vietnam War Memorial. Adrian began his career working as a legislative aide for three state Senators, later serving as director of public affairs. Adrian also worked as the public events coordinator for the Senate Majority Leader.

Adrian holds a bachelor's degree in Communications and Sociology from Western Michigan University (WMU), where he graduated with honors. While at WMU, Adrian served on the Board to Review the President's Address on Racial and Ethnic Harmony.

Adrian and his wife Erin live in East Lansing with their four girls.

0-5 years

I have legislative experience in a variety of issues affecting the insurance industry and related sectors, including health insurance, property and casualty insurance and regulatory reform. Prior to joining Public Policy Partners, I was the Director of Government Relations for the Maryland Hospital Association. I also served as the Director of Government Relations for the Maryland Insurance Administration. I have a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law, a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Baltimore and a Bachelor's of Science from Salisbury University.

JORGE CHAMIZO, an attorney and governmental consultant, represents a variety of clients before the Florida Legislature, Executive Office of the Governor, Agency for Healthcare Administration, Florida Department of Health, Florida Public Service Commission, and other state regulatory agencies on matters related to healthcare, energy, telecommunications, professional licensure, public procurement and business regulation.

Before joining the Firm, Jorge served as Chief Advisor to the Chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission, the state agency which regulates Florida's utilities. In that capacity, Jorge gave counsel to the Chairman on legal and policy matters related to telecommunications, energy, water, and wastewater issues coming before the Commission, assisted the Chairman in setting and implementing overall agency policy and direction, served as central contact to industry representatives, and was the Chairman's liaison to the Florida Legislature as well as state and local government agencies. Apart from his legal and governmental experience, Jorge brings to Floridian Partners over a decade of business experience in the insurance industry in the area of marketing, sales and management.

Jorge is an honors graduate from The Florida State University College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2000) and received his undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Miami (BBA, 1996). Jorge was honored as a top South Florida lobbyist and the recipient of the Cuban American Bar Association Pro Bono Project award. The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers presented him with the 2014 Presidents Award.

15-20 years

Successfully secured recent state approval of the largest public and private partnership for a 45 block redevelopment in Detroit, including a world class event center and mixed use development, valued at $650 million;

Helped design and execute a successful strategy to expand early childhood funding, including $65 million in additional funding opportunities for 14,000 preschoolers to attend Great Start Readiness Program (GRSP);

Successfully achieved approval of KENO for the Michigan State Lottery, which has generated hundreds of millions of dollars into the school aid fund;

Recently negotiated an economic development package with the MEDC to allow for a $100 million expansion, creating 1,000 new jobs for a Mid-Michigan based client;

Played an instrumental role in reshaping debate and the political environment on behalf of a major business organization by helping pass key policy initiatives which include: major business tax restructuring and incorporating fiscal discipline and performance metrics;

Obtained Legislative authority for the start up of the Biosciences Research & Commercialization Center at Western Michigan University including $10 million in state start up funds, creating over 33 life science companies, 240 high tech jobs and leveraged an additional $160 million in private sector investment;
Helped negotiate an incentive package, on behalf of a large international IT company, with the State of Michigan to bring a unique global software development center to the campus of Michigan State University, creating over 500 jobs to date;

Effectively secured hundreds of millions of dollars in capital outlay projects for our university and community college clients;

Assisted several clients in successfully navigating through the procurement process in areas such as Michigan State Lottery, Department of Corrections, IT, and Real Estate, resulting in several hundred million dollars in opportunities;

Negotiated a comprehensive economic development package for an international client, including infrastructure dollars for $84.4 million in investment in 1,600 new jobs in West Michigan;
Facilitated the donation of a retired 747 Jetliner from a major airline to a university client's aviation and engineering programs for the training of future pilots and engineers;

Secured $100 million in state funding for the construction of the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport;

Passed legislation that raised the cap that a Michigan based beer manufacturer could produce each year, allowing it to continue to grow and invest in southwest Michigan while hiring dozens of new employees.

Bret Marr joined MHSA in 2003, and became a member of Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, LLC in 2015. Prior to that, he successfully served as Director of Legislative Affairs for former Governor John Engler. Bret served as the primary contact between the Michigan Legislature and Governor Engler on legislative and appropriations issues. Bret coordinated Michigan's electric restructuring plan in the Legislature as well as the rewrite of Michigan's Telecommunications Act. He also shepherded numerous changes to Michigan's tax structure, including a rewrite of the Brownfield program and streamlining of the tax reverted property process.

Consistently voted one of Lansing's top lobbyists, Bret's focus is now on hospitality, healthcare, transportation and general business issues. He also manages several appropriations issues for MHSA's clients. In recent years, he has successfully secured funding for the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee, state approval of a new events center in the City of Detroit and directed the efforts of a coalition moving Michigan's school start date to after Labor Day.

Prior to serving Governor Engler, Bret was Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA). He served as the MRA's Lansing and Washington, D.C. lobbyist and coordinated a strong grass roots program. Bret began his career in the Michigan Senate as Communications Director for the Chair of the Education Committee. While a Senate staff member, he served as policy advisor to the Appropriations Committee and advisor to the Economic Development and Financial Services Committees.

Bret graduated with a bachelor of science in Public Affairs Management from Michigan State University and received his Master's of Public Administration, also from MSU, where he graduated with honors. He served on the Michigan Travel Commission and is a member of the Michigan Political History Society. He also coaches youth soccer and hockey.

Bret is married to Jenna and resides in Okemos with their three children.

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.