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.
1) ABILITY NETWORK OF DELAWARE
2) ALLIANCE OF AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS INC.
4) AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COS.
5) AMERICAN MASSAGE THERAPY ASSOC.
7) APPLE INC.
8) ARMORY FILMS
9) ARTESIAN RESOURCES AND ITS AFFLILIATES
10) ASSOCIATION FOR ACCESSIBLE MEDICINES
11) ASSOCIATION OF COASTAL TOWNS
12) ATHLETICO PHYSICAL THERAPY
14) BRAVEN
16) CABLE TV ASSOCIATION OF MD & DE
19) CHEMICAL INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF DELAWARE INC.
20) CHRISTIANA CARE CORPORATION
21) CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
22) COMCAST CORP. AND ITS AFFILIATES
23) COMMUNITY EDUCATION BUILDING
24) CONDUENT INC. AND ITS AFFILIATES
25) CORRECTIONAL OFFICER'S ASSN. OF DELAWARE
26) CRODA INC.
27) DAILY PAY
28) DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
29) DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
31) DELAWARE CHARTER SCHOOL NETWORK
32) DELAWARE CITY REFINING COMPANY
33) DELAWARE COMPENSATION RATING BUREAU INC.
34) DELAWARE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES ASSOCIATION
35) DELAWARE HOTEL LODGING ASSN.
36) DELAWARE PARK MANAGEMENT COMPANY LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES
37) DELAWARE POLICE CHIEFS COUNCIL INC
38) DELAWARE RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
43) FAITHFUL FRIENDS
44) FMC CORPORATION
45) GAUDENZIA INC.
46) HEALTHCARE DISTRIBUTION ALLIANCE C/O MULTISTATE ASSOCIATION LLC
48) HI-CONE
49) HOME BUILDER ASSN. OF DELAWARE
50) IMPACT LIFE INC.
51) INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY MARKETS ASSOC.
52) KENT SUSSEX LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE
54) KOOTH USA LLC
55) LOWDIGITTAGS.COM
56) METRC
57) MODAXO TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT USA INC.
58) NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS (NAPEO)
61) OPHELIA
62) ORSTED
65) REHOBOTH-DEWEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
66) RHETT RUGGERIO GOVERNMENT RELATIONS LLC
67) RICHARDS LAYTON & FINGER P.A.
68) RUGGERIO WILLSON & ASSOCIATES LLC.
71) STUBHUB
75) UNITE USA INC. DBA UNITE US
77) UNITED MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF DELAWARE
78) UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE - OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
80) VSP VISION INC. C/O MUTLISTATE ASSOCIATES LLC
82) XEROX BUSINESS SERVICES LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES
83) ZSCALER
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.
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.
7) APPLE INC.
8) ARMORY FILMS
9) ARTESIAN RESOURCES AND ITS AFFLILIATES
10) ASSOCIATION FOR ACCESSIBLE MEDICINES
11) ASSOCIATION OF COASTAL TOWNS
12) ATHLETICO PHYSICAL THERAPY
14) BRAVEN
16) CABLE TV ASSOCIATION OF MD & DE
17) 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
25) CONDUENT INC. AND ITS AFFILIATES
26) CORRECTIONAL OFFICER'S ASSN. OF DELAWARE
27) CRODA INC.
28) DAILY PAY
29) DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
30) DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
32) DELAWARE CHARTER SCHOOL NETWORK
33) DELAWARE CITY REFINING COMPANY
34) DELAWARE COMPENSATION RATING BUREAU INC.
35) DELAWARE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES ASSOCIATION
36) DELAWARE HOTEL LODGING ASSN.
37) DELAWARE PARK MANAGEMENT COMPANY LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES
38) DELAWARE POLICE CHIEFS COUNCIL INC
43) EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY ACTION FUND
44) FAITHFUL FRIENDS
45) FMC CORPORATION
46) GAUDENZIA INC.
47) HEALTHCARE DISTRIBUTION ALLIANCE C/O MULTISTATE ASSOCIATION LLC
49) HI-CONE
50) HOME BUILDER ASSN. OF DELAWARE
51) IMPACT LIFE INC.
52) INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY MARKETS ASSOC.
53) KENT SUSSEX LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE
55) KOOTH USA LLC
56) METRC
57) MODAXO TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT USA INC.
58) NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS (NAPEO)
61) OPHELIA
62) ORSTED
65) REHOBOTH-DEWEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
66) RHETT RUGGERIO GOVERNMENT RELATIONS LLC
67) RICHARDS LAYTON & FINGER P.A.
68) RUGGERIO WILLSON & ASSOCIATES LLC.
71) STUBHUB
75) UNITE USA INC. DBA UNITE US
77) UNITED MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF DELAWARE
78) UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE - OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
80) VSP VISION INC. C/O MUTLISTATE ASSOCIATES LLC
82) XEROX BUSINESS SERVICES LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES
83) 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.
7) APPLE INC.
8) ARMORY FILMS
9) ARTESIAN RESOURCES AND ITS AFFLILIATES
10) ASSOCIATION FOR ACCESSIBLE MEDICINES
11) ASSOCIATION OF COASTAL TOWNS
12) ATHLETICO PHYSICAL THERAPY
14) BRAVEN
16) CABLE TV ASSOCIATION OF MD & DE
17) CARFAX INC.
19) CHEMICAL INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF DELAWARE INC.
20) CHRISTIANA CARE CORPORATION
21) CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
22) COMCAST CORP. AND ITS AFFILIATES
23) COMMUNITY EDUCATION BUILDING
24) CONDUENT INC. AND ITS AFFILIATES
25) CORRECTIONAL OFFICER'S ASSN. OF DELAWARE
26) CRODA INC.
27) DAILY PAY
28) DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
29) DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
31) DELAWARE CHARTER SCHOOL NETWORK
32) DELAWARE CITY REFINING COMPANY
33) DELAWARE COMPENSATION RATING BUREAU INC.
34) DELAWARE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES ASSOCIATION
35) DELAWARE HOTEL LODGING ASSN.
37) DELAWARE POLICE CHIEFS COUNCIL INC
42) EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY ACTION FUND
43) FAITHFUL FRIENDS
44) FMC CORPORATION
45) GAUDENZIA INC.
46) HEALTHCARE DISTRIBUTION ALLIANCE C/O MULTISTATE ASSOCIATION LLC
48) HI-CONE
49) HOME BUILDER ASSN. OF DELAWARE
50) IMPACT LIFE INC.
51) INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY MARKETS ASSOC.
52) KENT SUSSEX LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE
54) KOOTH USA LLC
55) METRC
56) MODAXO TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT USA INC.
57) NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS (NAPEO)
60) OPHELIA
61) ORSTED
64) REHOBOTH-DEWEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
65) RICHARDS LAYTON & FINGER P.A.
66) RUGGERIO WILLSON & ASSOCIATES LLC.
69) STUBHUB
73) UNITE USA INC. DBA UNITE US
75) UNITED MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF DELAWARE
76) UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE - OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
78) VSP VISION INC. C/O MUTLISTATE ASSOCIATES LLC
80) XEROX BUSINESS SERVICES LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES
81) 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.
I'm a public policy professional with hands-on experience in state government and legislative operations. I got my start with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, which sparked my interest in how policy can directly impact communities. From there, I served as a Legislative Aide in the Delaware House, where I worked on everything from drafting legislation to supporting key committees and managing constituent issues. One of my most impactful experiences was staffing Delaware's first Artificial Intelligence Commission, where I helped support efforts to shape responsible AI policy at the state level. I'm passionate about bridging policy, technology, and public engagement to create thoughtful, effective governance.
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.
