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 over 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!”
Joye joined Ruggles in 1998 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.
In her spare time, Joye enjoys gardening, traveling, spoiling her mini goldendoodle and volunteering in the children’s elementary ministry at her church.
Jeff joined the Ruggles team in 2023 as Director of Meetings and Events, bringing many years of diverse experience managing meetings, events, teams, and strategic projects. In 2025, he transitioned into his current role as an Association Executive. He has a strong passion for helping volunteer-led organizations achieve their goals.
Jeff’s background includes training and experience in project management, process improvement, communication, volunteer management, and leadership. In 2020, he completed the Association Leadership Virginia program through the Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE). He has also served in volunteer leadership roles, including two terms as Chapter President for the Virginia Chapter of Meeting Professionals International.
Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and friends, working with the youth group at his church, and playing the drums.
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.
Greg serves as Director of Meetings & Events, partnering with medical society leadership to design and deliver conferences that run smoothly from first RFP through final invoice. He works closely with account executives, hotels, and convention centers on space planning, contracts, room blocks, and onsite logistics so boards, speakers, and attendees can stay focused on the program. Greg brings a calm, detail-oriented approach to complex meetings, from strategic planning retreats to large scientific sessions.
Building on his prior role leading membership strategy at Ruggles, Greg leverages data and technology to connect meetings with year-round member engagement, collaborating on tools such as registration systems, mobile guides, and membership apps. Based in Florida, he supports multiple national and regional medical societies and is a familiar face at their annual conferences. In his spare time, Greg enjoys golf, cycling, and spending time on the water with his family.
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.
Before joining Ruggles in 2024, Bryce spent more than a decade in the music and live entertainment industry, where he honed his skills in audience engagement and digital communication. As our Social Media and Communications Manager, he helps ensure our societies receive consistent, and engaging content that strengthens member connection. Outside the office, Bryce enjoys watching the latest new movies and spending time photographing the world as he and his wife explore new places.
Membership
As Director of Membership at Ruggles, Sara Beth oversees initiatives that strengthen member engagement and deliver an exceptional experience, including streamlining the membership renewal process. Guided by a passion for collaboration and continuous growth, she brings vibrant energy and a commitment to excellence to every aspect of her work. Sara Beth values authentic relationships, embraces innovative ideas, and upholds the highest standards in all she does. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her beloved dog and leopard gecko, sharing moments with friends and family, and embracing an exciting new chapter with her fiancé.
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.
At the time Jenny joined the Ruggles team in 2018, she had over 13 years of event-planning experience. She supports Boards of Directors, committees, speakers, and society members while helping advance key initiatives through digital outreach and stakeholder collaboration. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, Jenny ensures accurate CME credit reporting. She especially enjoys meeting and connecting with society members at the organization’s many gatherings throughout the year.
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 enjoy traveling for work and recreation and to visit their 4 children.
Sulli Clexton is the Corporate and Educational Support & Membership Coordinator at Ruggles, where she manages partnerships and membership engagement for client organizations. She joined Ruggles in 2025 after working in workforce development and brings a strong background in relationship building and program coordination. Ambitious and motivated, Sulli is passionate about delivering exceptional client experiences and fostering long-term partnerships that drive organizational success. A proud Virginia Tech graduate (Go Hokies!), she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, and exploring new restaurants in her free time.