Sponsored Ad

The competitive nature of government and public advocacy requires a team with the experience, insight and knowledge to provide results. The Floridian Partners team is composed of individuals from different backgrounds and practice areas, resulting in a dynamic group of advocacy professionals. As a firm, we strive to exceed our clients' expectations with the understanding that our success is based solely upon the success of our clients. We not only represent our clients before the public sector; we also assist our clients in developing business-to-business opportunities.

Our first step in pursuing any client goal is to develop a strategic plan. In the world of advocacy, success is the result of sound strategy, access to decision makers, effective communication and strong execution. In creating and executing a strategy for each of our clients, we bring to bear decades of strategic advocacy experience on major client initiatives in projects spanning from the entitlement of Jungle Island in Miami-Dade County - to the largest privatization of services in the history of the State of Florida - to playing a major role in developing telecommunications and insurance law each year in the State Capitol. In addition to the know-how developed over this time, we also bring to bear the collective scope and depth of relationships developed along the way.

As a result, Floridian Partners operates at all levels of government and is never more than two degrees away from accessing a key decision maker on any given client matter, whether that client needs to impact proposed state legislation, a local or state agency regulation, local government ordinance, the state budget, or a local or State RFP opportunity.

Firm Specialties:
With offices in Tallahassee and Miami, our core services include government affairs, issues management & communications, and business consulting & development. We service clients across all major industries, have influence at all levels of Florida government, and can manage national issues through our multi- state advocacy network.

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.

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.

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.

Diana Carlen is a Vice President at Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs (GTH-GA), the state's largest comprehensive governmental affairs firm. GTH-GA is information-driven and non-partisan. Diana represents a broad group of clients before the state legislature, state agencies, and the executive branch.

6-10 years

Diana Carlen leads the firm's business and utility practice and has over 20 years of legal and legislative experience. Prior to joining Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs, Diana served as Leadership Counsel to the Senate Republican Caucus. In that role, she also served as the caucus attorney for the following policy issues: energy, natural resources, agriculture, land use, telecommunications and water issues. Prior to working for the Senate, Diana practiced law for several years focusing on land use and environmental issues and also served as a Law Clerk to Chief Justice Gerry Alexander of the Washington State Supreme Court. Diana represents several of the firm's business clients, public utilities, and port clients.

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.

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.

I've been passionate about politics and public policy for as long as I can remember, with experience across government, campaigns, nonprofit work, and the private sector. I started my career with the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association, then went on to serve as Scheduler and Executive Assistant to U.S. Senator Tom Carper, where I gained firsthand experience in federal operations and stakeholder engagement. Since then, I've worked on statewide campaigns, led education reform efforts, and most recently directed government relations for Valero Energy in Delaware, where I represented the company at all levels of government and helped navigate complex policy challenges. Today, I leverage that experience to build strong relationships and drive effective advocacy strategies that deliver results.

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.

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

49) MLH Explorations, LLC

50) Natera, Inc.

51) National Association of Chain Drug Stores

52) National Strategies, LLC on behalf of ReUp Education

53) New Castle Area Transit Authority

54) New Cosmos USA, Inc.

55) Niskanen Center and its Affiliates

56) NORTHEAST RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CORP

57) NPAX, LLC

58) Nueva Esperanza, Inc.

59) Oceans Healthcare

60) One Call Corporation

61) Opus Inspection

62) OVERBROOK SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

63) PA ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES

64) PA CABLE NETWORK

65) PA Coalition of Public Charter Schools

66) Penn America Energy Holdings, LLC

67) PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

68) Pennsylvania Child Care Association

69) Pennsylvania Forward

70) Pennsylvania MENTOR

71) Pennsylvania MENTOR and The MENTOR Network

72) PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

73) PNK DC LLC

74) Restore Integrated Wellness Center

75) Retail Services & Systems, Inc. dba Total Wine & More

76) REV Renewables LLC

77) Safety and Advocacy for Empowerment

78) Sharing Excess

79) Stadium Casino RE, LLC

80) Strategos Group on behalf of American College of Education

81) The Davey Resource Group, Inc.

82) The PAI Corporation dba Excentia and S. June Smith Center

83) THE PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

84) The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf

85) UniqueSource Products & Services

86) UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

87) Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

88) VisionLink

89) Vistra Corporate Services Company

90) Walgreen Co.

91) WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR BLIND CHILDREN

92) WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

93) WorkMoney

94) XEROX CORPORATION

95) Youth Advocate Programs, Inc

15-20 years

City & State Power 100

PJ Lavelle is a partner in the firm and has been with Malady & Wooten for over a decade. PJ prides himself on helping clients navigate the vast and complex world of government by developing and executing strategies which are tailored for each individual client. Mr. Lavelle has a strong record of experience representing a wide range of clients before both state and local government with a focus on economic development, energy, transportation, and utility related issues.

Prior to joining the firm, PJ served as a senior policy advisor to House Democratic Leadership in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. As a key negotiator for House Democrats, he played a lead role in the passage of laws that have changed the face of Pennsylvania, such as Governor Rendell's Energy Independence Strategy and the Rebuilding PA infrastructure investment package. Preceding his years of service to the House, Mr. Lavelle served on the staff of Pittsburgh City Council.

PJ Lavelle is a native Pennsylvanian, born and raised in Lackawanna County. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and resides in the Harrisburg area with his family.

MELINDA BAKER

(Minnesota)

ERIC BREWER

(Federal)
Clients:

JEREMY COLLINS

(Georgia)

TONY DUGGER

(MOMO)
  • (573) 893-6834

  • 730 W. Main St.Jefferson CityMO65101

Clients:
Clients:

47) Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance

48) Mid-Atlantic Public Insurance Adjusters Association

49) MLH Explorations, LLC

50) Natera, Inc.

51) National Strategies, LLC on behalf of ReUp Education

52) New Castle Area Transit Authority

53) New Cosmos USA, Inc.

54) Niskanen Center and its Affiliates

55) NORTHEAST RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CORP

56) NPAX, LLC

57) Nueva Esperanza, Inc.

58) Oceans Healthcare

59) One Call Corporation

60) Opus Inspection

61) OVERBROOK SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

62) PA ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES

63) PA CABLE NETWORK

64) PA Coalition of Public Charter Schools

65) PA School for the Deaf

66) PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

67) Pennsylvania Child Care Association

68) Pennsylvania Mentor

69) PFM ASSET MANAGEMENT

70) PFM Financial Advisors LLC

71) PNC Bank, N.A.

72) PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

73) PNK DC LLC

74) Restore Integrated Wellness Center

75) Retail Services & Systems, Inc. dba Total Wine & More

76) REV Renewables LLC

77) Safety and Advocacy for Empowerment

78) Sharing Excess

79) Stadium Casino RE, LLC

80) Strategos Group on behalf of American College of Education

81) The PAI Corporation dba Excentia and S. June Smith Center

82) UniqueSource Products & Services

83) UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

84) Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

85) VisionLink

86) Vistra Corporate Services Company

87) Walgreen Co.

88) WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR BLIND CHILDREN

89) WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

90) WorkMoney

91) XTO ENERGY

92) Youth Advocate Programs, Inc

Clients:

47) Millcreek Health System, Inc. dba LECOM Health

48) MLH Explorations, LLC

49) Natera, Inc.

50) National Association of Chain Drug Stores

51) National Strategies, LLC on behalf of ReUp Education

52) New Castle Area Transit Authority

53) New Cosmos USA, Inc.

54) Niskanen Center and its Affiliates

55) NORTHEAST RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CORP

56) NPAX, LLC

57) Nueva Esperanza, Inc.

58) Oceans Healthcare

59) One Call Corporation

60) Opus Inspection

61) OVERBROOK SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

62) PA ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES

63) PA CABLE NETWORK

64) PA Coalition of Public Charter Schools

65) Penn America Energy Holdings, LLC

66) PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

67) Pennsylvania Child Care Association

68) Pennsylvania MENTOR

69) Pennsylvania MENTOR and The MENTOR Network

70) PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

71) PNK DC LLC

72) Restore Integrated Wellness Center

73) Retail Services & Systems, Inc. dba Total Wine & More

74) REV Renewables LLC

75) Safety and Advocacy for Empowerment

76) Sharing Excess

77) Stadium Casino RE, LLC

78) Strategos Group on behalf of American College of Education

79) The Davey Resource Group, Inc

80) The PAI Corporation dba Excentia and S. June Smith Center

81) THE PENNSYLVANIA CHARTER SCHOOLS FOR DEAF & BLIND CHILDREN

82) THE PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

83) UniqueSource Products & Services

84) UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

85) Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

86) VisionLink

87) Vistra Corporate Services Company

88) Walgreen Co.

89) WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR BLIND CHILDREN

90) WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

91) WorkMoney

92) Youth Advocate Programs, Inc

Clients:

48) MLH Explorations, LLC

49) Natera, Inc.

50) National Association of Chain Drug Stores

51) National Strategies, LLC on behalf of ReUp Education

52) New Castle Area Transit Authority

53) New Cosmos USA, Inc.

54) Niskanen Center and its Affiliates

55) NORTHEAST RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CORP

56) NPAX, LLC

57) Nueva Esperanza, Inc.

58) Oceans Healthcare

59) One Call Corporation

60) Opus Inspection

61) OVERBROOK SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

62) PA ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES

63) PA CABLE NETWORK

64) PA Coalition of Public Charter Schools

65) Penn America Energy Holdings, LLC

66) PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

67) Pennsylvania Child Care Association

68) Pennsylvania Forward

69) Pennsylvania MENTOR

70) Pennsylvania MENTOR and The MENTOR Network

71) PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

72) PNK DC LLC

73) Restore Integrated Wellness Center

74) Retail Services & Systems, Inc. dba Total Wine & More

75) REV Renewables LLC

76) Safety and Advocacy for Empowerment

77) Sharing Excess

78) Stadium Casino RE, LLC

79) Strategos Group on behalf of American College of Education

80) The Davey Resource Group, LLC

81) The PAI Corporation dba Excentia and S. June Smith Center

82) The Pennsylvania Charter Schools for Deaf & Blind Children

83) THE PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

84) UniqueSource Products & Services

85) UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

86) Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

87) VisionLink

88) Vistra Corporate Services Company

89) Walgreen Co.

90) WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR BLIND CHILDREN

91) WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

92) WorkMoney

93) Youth Advocate Programs, Inc

Clients:

46) Merakey USA

47) Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance

48) Mid-Atlantic Public Insurance Adjusters Association

49) Millcreek Health System, Inc. dba LECOM Health

50) MLH Explorations, LLC

51) Natera, Inc.

52) National Association of Chain Drug Stores

53) National Strategies, LLC on behalf of ReUp Education

54) New Castle Area Transit Authority

55) New Cosmos USA, Inc.

56) Niskanen Center and its Affiliates

57) NORTHEAST RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CORP

58) NPAX, LLC

59) Oceans Healthcare

60) One Call Corporation

61) Opus Inspection

62) OVERBROOK SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

63) PA ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES

64) PA CABLE NETWORK

65) PA Coalition of Public Charter Schools

66) PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

67) Pennsylvania Child Care Association

68) Pennsylvania MENTOR

69) Pennsylvania MENTOR and The MENTOR Network

70) PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

71) PNK DC LLC

72) Restore Integrated Wellness Center

73) Retail Services & Systems, Inc. dba Total Wine & More

74) REV Renewables LLC

75) Safety and Advocacy for Empowerment

76) Sharing Excess

77) Stadium Casino RE, LLC

78) Strategos Group on behalf of American College of Education

79) The PAI Corporation dba Excentia and S. June Smith Center

80) The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf

81) UniqueSource Products & Services

82) UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

83) Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

84) VisionLink

85) Vistra Corporate Services Company

86) Walgreen Co.

87) WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR BLIND CHILDREN

88) WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

89) WorkMoney

90) Youth Advocate Programs, Inc

PATRICE WEBB

(Tennessee)
Clients:

LYNNE YANCEY

(Georgia)
Clients: