Kim Willson has been passionate about politics and public affairs for as long as she can remember and brings decades of political, government relations, and public policy experience to Ruggerio Willson & Watson. Her extensive background spans statewide and federal campaigns, legislative advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and Fortune 500 corporate government and community affairs. Throughout her career, Kim has built a reputation as one of Delaware’s most respected political strategists and relationship builders, making her an invaluable asset to clients navigating the state’s political and governmental landscape.
Kim began her career in public service working for U.S. Senator Tom Carper as his Executive Assistant. In this role, she worked closely with the Senator on a daily basis, coordinating his statewide activities and serving as a key liaison between constituents, community leaders, and government officials. She also played an integral role in Senator Carper’s successful 2006 re-election campaign, gaining firsthand experience in the operation of high level political campaigns and public affairs.
Her political career continued as a Director for the 2008 Delaware Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign. In that role, Kim worked alongside party leaders, candidates, and elected officials to help deliver victories up and down the ballot, from the presidential race to local legislative contests.
Kim joined Rhett Ruggerio Government Relations in 2009 and has since become one of Delaware’s most respected government relations professionals and political strategists. Over the course of her career, she has served as a trusted advisor to numerous elected officials, candidates, advocacy organizations, and business leaders, helping shape public policy and political strategy across the state. Kim was recognized by Delaware Business Times in 2016 as a Delaware Achiever and Innovator Under 40, and in 2021 as a Women in Business Leader.
Most recently, Kim served as the longtime lobbyist for current Governor Matt Meyer and as a key advisor during his successful gubernatorial campaign. In that role, she provided strategic counsel, cultivated stakeholder relationships, and helped build the broad coalition that contributed to Governor Meyer’s victory in the 2024 election.
In 2026, Kim became a Partner and Owner of Ruggerio, Willson & Watson, a leading government relations and public affairs firm based in Dover, Delaware. Outside of work, Kim enjoys time at the Delaware beaches with her husband, supporting local restaurants, and watching her two daughters excel in their travel sports.