An Experienced Team Ready To Assist With Your Association Needs
Our team of professionals bring knowledge and expertise in all service areas – from membership marketing, design, conference and meeting management, information technology, accounting, finance and more.
Principal
Stewart was practically raised in the executive offices of Ruggles, witnessing firsthand his father John Hinckley’s work ethic, business acumen and solid foundational building of Ruggles Service Corporation since 1974. After earning his chops with a degree in Economics (W&L) and proving himself over 10 years in the nation’s capital-area hotel industry, Stewart was brought into the Ruggles fold in 1992 as Director of Meetings and Conventions. He was promoted to Vice President within a few years, becoming President and CEO in 2006. Stewart helms a well-defined and creative work environment, resulting in long-tenured personnel and an extremely loyal workforce. This stabilization translates into first class member service from a very dedicated team of Ruggles employees. Having worked with medical society boards for almost 30 years, Stewart illustrates through personal action how to guide volunteer leaders to fulfillment of their strategic initiatives, while empowering the staff to drive the day-to-day business of the organization. He is uniquely positioned to leverage best practices among other medical societies managed by Ruggles. Stewart is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and the American Association of Medical Society Executives. He currently serves on the Virginia Society of Association Executives Board of Directors.
Financial Services
Before bringing her enthusiasm to Ruggles in 2003, Kimberly was a manager in a public accounting firm. Her twelve years’ experience there included both tax and audit work with a strong emphasis in the not-for-profit sector. Kimberly is responsible for all financial record keeping, processing and reporting and works closely with our clients’ Treasurers and Boards of Directors. She has an in-depth knowledge of not-for-profit accounting and is a trusted advisor to the clients she serves. Kimberly is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a BS in Accounting, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In her free time, Kimberly enjoys relaxing on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She is also an avid Disney fan and travels to the “Happiest Place on Earth” as often as possible, and the second happiest place on earth Monday-Friday.
Ken wields a sharp pencil and a sharp wardrobe. Prior to joining Ruggles in 2012, Ken was a manager with a local public accounting firm. His twenty-five years of experience in accounting was in auditing and taxation for the not-for-profit sector and closely held businesses. Ken is responsible for record keeping and financial reporting and works closely with our clients’ Treasurers and Boards of Directors. Ken is a graduate of the University of Richmond with a BS in Accounting. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Association Management
Kim joined Ruggles Service Corporation in 2008 as Director of Membership after more than a decade at VISIT Milwaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau, five as Director of Membership. Kim’s kaleidoscope of talents includes member recruitment and retention, strong relationship building, event planning, fundraising, developing websites and producing publications. Kim now serves as an Association Manager highly regarded by her societies, managing the daily operations, professional education and certification programs of national medical associations.
A Ruggles veteran of over 15 years, Andrew was recruited to the team after serving many of Ruggles’ clients in the capacity of Project Manager with a national audiovisual production company. He manages Ruggles’ state societies, assisting with their legislative activities, member recruitment and retention, development of member communications, and meeting management, including achieving CME accreditation approval.
Andrew has been applauded for his professionalism, integrity and leadership as VSAE Outstanding Member of the Year and as a recipient of the John R. Dufour Lifetime Professional Achievement Award. In 2018, Psychiatric Society of Virginia presented Andrew with the coveted President’s Award in recognition of his commitment to the mission and goals of the society. Andrew is an active member of the Virginia Society of Association Executives and the Richmond Area Bicycling Association (RABA). He oversees the Bikes for Kids project for the RABA Foundation which provides bicycles for underprivileged children in the Richmond metro area. An avid cyclist, he loves to travel with his wife. “Life is Good!”
Donna joined Ruggles in 2005 to manage an international society of 5000+ members and a robust board and committee structure, including four annual conferences and an international quarterly journal. A seasoned pro in large-scale special events production throughout the eastern United States and London, Donna retrained her focus on the non-profit medical sector, exhibiting thoughtful stewardship of an association’s volunteer and financial resources. Working closely with elected and appointed leadership professionals, Donna streamlines a project’s multiple components without sacrificing the timeline and budget requirements of Ruggles’ clients, ultimately resulting in a heightened level of satisfaction among the society’s membership. Donna is a member of the Virginia Society of Association Executives and has been celebrated as a four-time recipient of her society’s bi-annual President’s Award.
A ‘joyeous’ year for medical association management, it was in 1998 that Joye joined Ruggles with over 10 years of experience in hotel sales, operations and corporate meeting planning. Beloved by her members and Boards of Directors, Joye has served Ruggles as both Director of Membership and Association Executive. Along with the development of successful member recruitment and retention initiatives, she provides successful strategies for association growth and possesses the organizational and customer service skills necessary for leading projects through timely completion. The only non-medically degreed professional to ever receive the accolade, Joye was presented with the Knotty Cane Award by the President of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics as the individual he felt helped him most through his administration. She is active in the Virginia Society of Association Executives and volunteers at her church for the children’s elementary age ministry.
Meetings and Events
Matt joined the Ruggles team in 2008 after a 28-year career in the audiovisual production industry, during which he troubleshot and managed it all. During these nearly three decades, Matt’s experience as Corporate Director of Convention Services involved warehouse management, in-house hotel operations and sales and convention production. Matt’s wealth of experience in meeting and event support from the supplier side of the industry, coupled with his exterior calm demeanor while internal brain gears churn, instills confidence in clients from the onset of the contracting process through execution of onsite logistics. Ruggles’ society partners have come to expect and enjoy seamless conference outcomes with Matt on site.
Jeff brings a variety of hospitality industry experience to the Director of Meetings & Events role. He has managed teams of travel agents, meeting planners, event operations and volunteer organizations, including two terms as the chapter president for the Virginia Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. This variety of experience allows Jeff to see the event experience from all perspectives and meet the needs of each stakeholder for the events he plans. In his free time, Jeff volunteers for a couple of community organizations and enjoys spending time with his family, working with youth and playing the drums in his church praise band.
Corporate and Educational Support
Dana hails from a great southern state with an engaging “Hey, y’all!” Dana’s initial role with Ruggles was as the Association Executive, advancing next to Executive Director, of a large and extremely ambitious medical society. In 2014, she transitioned into leading the charge with exhibits and corporate support for Ruggles’ medical society clients. Her strong, personable relationships with industry are based on the mutual trust of long-term returning business. Dana has a proven track record for selling out exhibit halls, and increasing revenue through advertising, sponsorship of meetings and industry symposia. Before joining the Ruggles team in 2008 (despite our being headquartered ‘north’ in the Mid-Atlantic), Dana worked in state government and the healthcare field. She is well known for lavishing attention on her two fur babies.
Information Technology
Identified as technology-adept in the formative years, Daniel joined Ruggles in 1986 with 5¼” floppy discs in tow. Fast-forward to find that Daniel has developed most of our web-based platforms and implemented extensive website development and programming. Ruggles’ customized membership database and the content management system for our Mobile Meeting Guides are both Daniel creations. He oversees the workflow within the Information Technology Solution Center as well as the security measures that protect our clients’ websites and web-based forms. Daniel’s online programs provide cost savings to our clients and streamlined member communications.
Chris joined Ruggles with nine years of experience as a Research Analyst and Project Manager following companies trading on the Canadian Stock Exchanges, New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ, foreign companies trading on the NYSE and the collection of financial information of companies trading on the London Stock exchange. Finding suits and neckties too restrictive, Chris now develops and maintains meeting registration forms and payment processing forms. His accurate and expedient recording of payments plays a vital role within the Ruggles client support structure. Chris also creates SQL queries to assist colleagues with gathering data for internal and external reporting and provides member support.
With over two decades of experience spanning graphic design, marketing, and IT, Chip brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to the team at Ruggles.
A graduate of The Savannah College of Art and Design with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts (BFA), Chip began his career in the vibrant marketing scene of Richmond, VA. After honing his skills at a prominent marketing agency, he transitioned to Chesterfield County Public Schools' Communications department, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's digital presence and communication strategies.
Throughout his career, Chip has demonstrated a keen eye for design, a strategic mindset for marketing initiatives, and a knack for navigating the complexities of information technology. His multifaceted skill set has been instrumental in driving success across various projects and endeavors.
Currently serving as an IT Specialist at Ruggles, Chip leverages his diverse background to provide comprehensive IT solutions tailored to the company's needs. Whether it's troubleshooting technical issues, implementing innovative solutions, or optimizing IT infrastructure, he is dedicated to ensuring seamless operations and empowering the team to achieve their goals.
Outside of work, Chip enjoys staying abreast of the latest technological trends, exploring new avenues for creative expression, and giving back to the community through volunteer work and mentorship opportunities.
With a passion for blending artistry with technology, Chip is committed to driving innovation and excellence in every aspect of his work at Ruggles.
Membership
As Director of Membership, Greg is your go-to guy for society growth, providing valuable support to committees and boards. He works closely with the Association Executives to leverage strategic member recruitment and retention initiatives that increase membership and dues revenue. He provides and monitors reports to ensure all metrics and goals are met. Greg oversees the membership invoicing process to ensure on time billing and collection of dues. For improved member communication, he develops and maintains mobile membership apps including seeking approval in the Apple App Store and Google Play. In the Aloha spirit, Greg provides member services and support at society annual conferences. In his spare time, Greg enjoys cycling and water sports.
Graphics
An award-winning writer, photographer and designer, Ray joined the team in July 2006. He designs and produces meeting materials, advertisements, newsletters, syllabi, web content and mobile apps. Prior to joining Ruggles, Ray spent almost 20 years in the newspaper industry. He had a leading role in the adoption and implementation of rapidly evolving digital publishing technologies for four organizations, adept at creating engaging and effective presentations for print and the web. His work has appeared in a variety of Virginia newspapers and their supplementary publications; local, state and national trade publications; local and regional magazines; and websites. He has executed substantial contract work for retail businesses, restaurants, colleges and universities, and government agencies.
Administration and Communications
With a passion for delivering excellence in every task, Julie brings a wealth of expertise to the table, and serves as the cornerstone of support for multiple societies. As a seasoned professional with a keen eye for detail and a knack for seamless work experience, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to streamline processes, optimize workflows, and meet strict deadlines without compromising quality.
In her spare time, Julie loves to go horseback riding with her daughter, travel the rodeo scene and cheer her daughter on from the sidelines, go hunting with her son and husband and loves watching her son play baseball. She also loves to travel.
Jenny joined the Ruggles team brandishing impressive accomplishments during 20 fascinating years in the life insurance and event planning industries. Jenny provides support for Boards of Directors, committee members, speakers and society members. Jenny supports important society initiatives through electronic media and interaction with key stakeholders. Her attention to detail and organizational skills are vital for accurate reporting of member CME credit. She enjoys personal interaction with society members at the multiple yearly meetings. Jenny enjoys volunteering in the community at a local botanical garden, as well as sowing her seeds of cheer and positive outlook throughout her workday.
Angela is the pillar of support for several societies, masterfully juggling member assistance, society website updates, communications with meeting faculty, and annual meeting timelines. Her societies also benefit from her skills at managing their abstract submission process. Her attention to detail and organizational skills are assets to the Ruggles team, both in the office and onsite during annual meetings. Empty nesters, Angela and her husband currently live in central Virginia and enjoy traveling for work and recreation and to visit their 4 children.
Motivated by a desire to enhance her collaborative skills and pursue continuous learning, Sara Beth joined Ruggles after gaining two years of experience in sales following college. In her role as a liaison between our Corporate and Educational Support and Membership, Sara Beth brings a vibrant energy and dedication to excellence. She takes pride in fostering authentic connections, upholding high standards, and remaining open-minded to innovative ideas in her professional endeavors. Beyond her professional commitments, Sara Beth finds joy in the company of her beloved dog and leopard gecko, cherishing quality time with friends and family, and embracing culinary exploration.