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.

Steven Barker joined Cornerstone as a Principal in our Oklahoma office in November 2025.

Prior to Cornerstone he served as Assistant Municipal Counselor for the City of Oklahoma City. In this role, he represented the city in eminent domain and land use matters, advised the City Manager's Office and Planning Department and supported key strategic initiatives, including securing a 25-year lease agreement with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Previously, Steven served as General Counsel at Coop Ale Works, providing nationwide regulatory guidance to support product distribution. In this role, he managed all federal and state compliance, negotiated agreements with distributors and oversaw the company's licensing portfolio.

Earlier in his career, Steven worked with the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission, where he held leadership roles as Deputy Director and General Counsel. He has also served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office and as Assistant General Counsel with the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Steven currently serves as Chief Municipal Judge for the City of Warr Acres, where he presides over arraignment, juvenile and trial dockets.

Steven holds a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Pittsburg State University.

Lauren McCay serves as a Senior Associate in Cornerstone's Oklahoma City office, assisting the firm's government relations team with client service activities including conducting research and providing updates on state legislative matters and diverse regulatory issues.

Lauren comes to Cornerstone from Lilly & Company where she led the firm's highly successful fundraising effort in Oklahoma as an Account Executive. She was responsible for executing numerous fundraisers and meeting fundraising goals for current federal legislators and those seeking office in the U.S House and Senate.

Before joining Lilly & Company, Lauren served as a Congressional Intern for Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK) where she managed and answered constituent inquiries while also supporting staff by taking initiative on various district office projects and case work.

Lauren received her Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Oklahoma.

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.

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.

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.

Mark Yates joined Cornerstone in July 2021 as a principal in the firm's Oklahoma City office. His experience in public policy includes working with various industries through statewide campaigns, legislative engagement, media relations, and public speaking. Mark has been successful navigating complex and challenging initiatives on behalf of the clean energy and agriculture industries.

Mark previously served as vice president at Advanced Power Alliance (APA) where he represented leading domestic and international companies in the renewable energy sector. While in this role, he managed the association's regional public policy strategy, communications strategy, and membership recruitment efforts. Mark served a major role in shaping legislative and regulatory policy within the most important energy region in the country.

Prior to APA, Mark worked at the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, where he led membership recruitment initiatives, mobilized a statewide grassroots campaign, and lobbied for rural issues on behalf of the nearly 90,000 farmers and ranchers.

Before his time with the Farm Bureau, Mark was a professional educator in the Oklahoma public school system for 11 years. Along with his teaching experience, Mark also had administrative experience serving as a federal programs director for Plainview Public Schools in Ardmore, OK.

Mark is a graduate of East Central University in Ada, OK and holds a bachelor's degree in History and master's in Secondary Administration. Mark and his wife Stacy reside in Edmond, OK where they are active in their community and have two children, Londyn and Steele.