DBT40 Honoree: Kathleen M. Corcoran of Wheeler, Wolfenden & Dwares, P.A.

Photo by Luigi Ciuffetelli

AGE: 38
TITLE: Principal
COMPANY: Wheeler, Wolfenden & Dwares, P.A.
CITY: Wilmington

What the nominator said: “Kathy Corcoran is a rising star in the public accounting profession. Her unique blend of technical and people skills has enabled her to advance through the ranks at WW&D. She has also leveraged her experience as a Division I women’s basketball player at the University of Delaware, serving as a volunteer for the Senior Olympics basketball program, and in 2013 was named head coach of the Middletown High School girls basketball team after serving as an assistant for nine seasons.”

Best career advice you ever got: When I joined the firm immediately after college, my boss counseled me to work hard and put in the time and effort early on in my career, so I could rise to the top and still have plenty of time to enjoy life.

Two words that best describe you: Loyal and hard-working.

Work/life balance technique you recommend: I enjoy working hard and servicing my clients responsively and effectively. It is important to have a way to manage stress. I coach high school basketball and play lots of golf, both of which help me distress and enjoy life.

If you were in charge of Delaware: I would shift more financial and human resources to the classroom, where teachers work hard every day to prepare the next generation of Delawareans for college and the work force.