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KIM WILLSON

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.

NATHANIEL HONAKER

Connect C, LLC is a full-service government relations and lobbying firm that assists clients in developing strategies and programs to win passage of legislation, modify regulations and establish allies to support public policy objectives that protect brand reputations in the halls of North Carolina's General Assembly. Using our experience, policy knowledge, procedural expertise, and planning and facilitation skills, we tailor our work to meet our clients' individual needs and goals. Our experience and expertise in providing government affairs services allow us to see around the corner for our clients, and to respond accordingly. The partners have extensive knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process in Raleigh and Washington, D.C. Our team has been involved in the political landscape at the local, state and federal level for the past forty years.

Nathan Honaker is a licensed North Carolina attorney and serves as General Counsel to Connect C providing insight in legislative matters. He has several years of experience in legislative affairs, lobbying and healthcare. Nathan is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and the University of North Carolina School of Law. During college, Nathan had internships with several legislators in the State House of Representatives and the State Senate. After completing his undergraduate degree, he worked for Sen. Phil Berger, President Pro Tempore of the North Carolina Senate, in communications and as a law clerk. During law school, Nathan worked for several lobbyists as a research assistant and policy advisor, as well as working with the State Health Plan and the University of North Carolina System.

RHETT RUGGERIO

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.

JOHN COOPER

Connect C, LLC is a full-service government relations and lobbying firm that assists clients in developing strategies and programs to win passage of legislation, modify regulations and establish allies to support public policy objectives that protect brand reputations in the halls of North Carolina's General Assembly. Using our experience, policy knowledge, procedural expertise, and planning and facilitation skills, we tailor our work to meet our clients' individual needs and goals. Our experience and expertise in providing government affairs services allow us to see around the corner for our clients, and to respond accordingly. The partners have extensive knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process in Raleigh and Washington, D.C. Our team has been involved in the political landscape at the local, state and federal level for the past forty years.

11-15 years

John has over 45 years of experience working as a corporate CEO and government agency administrator. John served in the administrations of three United States Presidents. He served as State Executive Director of the North Carolina Farm Service Agency from 1981 to 1992, under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In April 2001, John was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as the State Director of USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Rural Development for North Carolina.

VERITY WATSON

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.

JOSH BLADES

(Alabama)
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CLARE HESTER

(Mississippi)
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1) Accelerate Learning, Inc.

2) American Medical Response

3) American Petroleum Institute

4) Americans for Lower Drug Prices

5) Assured Guaranty Inc.

6) AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LP and its Affiliates

7) Asurion

8) BDO Government Services, LLC

9) Beau Rivage Resorts, Inc.

10) BetterLesson

11) Bitcoin Depot

12) Brightstar Global Solutions Corporation

13) Caertwheel Care, Inc.

14) CAG Holdings, Inc. LLC, a Carlyle Company Company Name

15) Capitol Resources LLC

16) Catapult Learning

17) Centene Corporation on behalf of its affiliates and subsidiaries

18) Cicero Action

19) Community Health Center Association of Mississippi, Inc.

20) Data Recognition Corporation

21) Diamondhead Water & Sewer District

22) Drax Group

23) Equifax, Inc.

24) Ergon, Inc.

25) Ernst & Young LLP

26) Exxon Mobil Corporation

27) Fortinet, Inc.

28) Gainwell Holding Corp.

29) Google LLC and its Affiliates

30) Gulf States Toyota, Inc.

31) Hazel Health

32) HB Strategies on behalf of Good Rx

33) Health Resources LLC

34) Ingalls Shipbuilding

35) Intervest Corp.

36) Kansas City Southern Railroad Company d/b/a Canadian Pacific Kansas City and as CPKC, is wholly owned by Canadian Pacific Railway Kansas City Limited

37) Madison County Board of Supervisors

38) McLANE COMPANY, INC.

39) MedeAnalytics

40) Medical Transportation Management, Inc.

41) MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.

42) Memorial Hospital at Gulfport

43) MGM Resorts International

44) Mississippi Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

45) Mississippi Association of REALTORS

46) Mississippi Association of Self-Insurers

47) Mississippi Business Alliance

48) Mississippi Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians

49) Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board

50) Mississippi Consumer Finance Association

51) Mississippi Counseling Association

52) Mississippi Economic Development Council, Inc.

53) Mississippi Healthcare Collaborative

54) Mississippi Optometric Association

55) Mississippi Orthopaedic Society

56) Mississippi Physicians Care Network

57) Mississippi Public Broadcasting Foundation

58) Mississippi Section, American College of Obstertricians & Gynecologists

59) Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure

60) Money Service Business Association, Inc.

61) MS Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs

62) National Mentor Holdings, LLC

63) National Rarities

64) NextEra Energy Resources, LLC

65) NOLA Education,LLC

66) Ochsner Health System

67) OneImaging

68) Palantir Technologies Inc.

69) Panorama Education, Inc.

70) PMI US Corporate Services Inc. and Affiliates

71) Reason Foundation

72) Regional Medical Center (Regional One Health)

73) Republic Services of MS / BFI Waste Services LLC

74) Robinhood Markets, Inc.

75) Safety and Advocacy for Empowerment (SAFE) Coalition

76) Samsara Inc.

77) Scholastic Inc

78) SecurityScorecard, Inc.

79) Sharecare

80) SHI International

81) SimpliGov LLC

82) Singing River Health System

83) SitelogIQ LLC

84) Southern Beverage Company, Inc.

85) Southern Renewable Energy Association

86) Spire Mississippi Inc.

87) State Shield Action

88) STChealth LLC

89) Stercus Bioanalytics, LLC

90) Teaching Strategies

91) The Learning Internet, Inc. DBA Learning.com

92) The Magee Foundation

93) The University of Southern Mississippi

94) Thrivist

95) Toyota Motor North America, Inc.

96) Turo Inc.

97) Twenty Labs, LLC dba Healthy Together

98) Uber Technologies, Inc.

99) Unite USA Inc. (dba Unite Us)

100) Universal Health Services, Inc.

101) Vulcan Technologies, Inc

102) Wayne Halfway House, Inc.

103) Wonderschool

104) Workday

105) yes. every. kid

106) Youth Villages

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DAVIS STEWART

(Alabama)
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JOSEPH THOMPSON

(New Mexico)
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