About Us
Serving Delaware and Beyond for Over 25 Years
Dedicated to Building Lasting Client Relationships
A Legacy of Excellence!
At Wheeler Wolfenden and Dwares (WW&D), we’ve spent more than 25 years developing a distinguished practice. We earned our reputation for delivering highly personalized and deeply collaborative support to a select clientele spanning Delaware and beyond. Our journey has been defined by a commitment to excellence and a dedication to our client’s success.
Sized right for personal attention
Our growth has come through serving our clients, giving us the opportunity to develop long-term relationships supported by our knowledge and experience. Our size keeps us nimble, and able to respond instantly to time-sensitive issues. We’ve remained independent, allowing us to always put our clients first.
Locally rooted with a global reach
We take pride in our close ties to Delaware communities. Most of our team members are graduates of local institutions, we’re active in our communities, and our leadership serves on the boards of business and nonprofit organizations. This deep connection ties us to each other and instills a culture of genuine care for our work.
Our membership in CPAmerica, Inc. further amplifies our capabilities. As part of this esteemed association of independently owned and managed CPA and consulting firms, we extend our reach to serve clients locally, nationally, and globally.
Now that you know more about us, tell us about you.
KATHLEEN CORCORAN, CPA
Kathy joined Wheeler Wolfenden and Dwares, CPAs in 2001, after graduating from the University of Delaware with a bachelor of science degree in Accounting. Her tax expertise and enthusiasm for working with clients has led her to advance through the ranks at the firm. She now proudly owns and operates the firm.
Kathy specializes in tax, accounting and auditing, forensic accounting and litigation support. Her clients include high-net-worth individuals, businesses and professional services firms. Kathy’s strong professional knowledge and ability to communicate complex tax matters in an easy-to-understand way have helped her build long-standing client relationships.
She serves on the board of directors of The Committee of 100 and as treasurer of the LPGA Amateur Golf Association Delaware Chapter. In addition, Kathy schedules and manages the Olympics qualifying event for the Senior Olympics basketball program, and has coached the varsity girls basketball team at a local high school.
Kathy was recognized in 2016 by Delaware Business Times as one of the “40 Under 40” Achievers and Innovators. She has excelled in sports all of her life, and played Division I basketball for the University of Delaware. In 2012, Kathy was inducted into the Central Bucks West High School Hall of Fame for her leadership on the basketball, tennis and track teams.
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- AICPA Tax Section
- AICPA Forensic and Valuation Services Section
- Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Wilmington Tax Group
- LPGA Amateur Golf Association Delaware Chapter
“I love getting to know my clients, to see what they care about and what makes them tick. Once you get to know someone, you can better serve them. I always make an effort to help clients feel at ease by explaining tax issues in terms a non-financial person can understand.”
DAVID M. WOLFENDEN, CPA, CVA, MS
In Memory: 1956–2023
As co-founder of Wheeler Wolfenden and Dwares, CPAs, Dave helped set the foundation for the firm to grow into what it is today. In his current role as Managing Director, Dave splits his time between the firm’s offices in Wilmington and Lewes, Delaware. In addition to being the firm’s leader, Dave co-chairs both the Accounting & Auditing and Tax departments.
With so many years in the profession, Dave’s skills and expertise cover the full range of the firm’s capabilities, including accounting, auditing, tax services for closely-held businesses and high net worth individuals, business valuation, succession planning, CFO/finance staff recruiting, and more. Dave’s clients include construction contractors, manufacturers, investment partnerships, nonprofit organizations, professional service firms, pension plans, real estate developers, funeral homes, hospitality companies and individuals.
Dave’s extensive knowledge and skillset have allowed him to maintain long-term relationships with business and individual clients.
He is actively engaged in the business and nonprofit communities. Dave serves on the Board of Community Bank of Delaware, Inc., and chairs its Audit Committee. He gives his time and talent as a member of the Board of Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County. Dave is past president of The Committee of 100, and past treasurer of New Castle County Chamber of Commerce and Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts (now known as The Delaware Contemporary). In addition, Dave has served on Peer Review panels for the AICPA, which has provided the opportunity to examine and make recommendations for other accounting firms nationwide.
Dave received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, both in Accounting, from the University of Delaware. He has earned the Certified Valuation Analyst designation.
To unwind in his spare time, David enjoys playing guitar, golfing, traveling and cooking.
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- AICPA Tax Section
- Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants
- National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts
- Wilmington Tax Group
Our Story
A Legacy of Excellence: Our Journey Through Time
1998 – Founding Visionaries
In 1998, CPAs John Wheeler and David Wolfenden pooled their expertise in Wilmington, Delaware, to establish Wheeler & Wolfenden, PA. This marked the inception of a firm grounded in a shared commitment to excellence.
1999 – A Union of Strengths
W&W merged with Leonard S. Dwares & Company, evolving into Wheeler Wolfenden & Dwares, PA (WW&D). The subsequent acquisition of J.B. Robert Schiavi’s firm enriched the team, bringing expertise and experience to the growing organization.
2006 – Guiding the Future
After seven impactful years, Leonard S. Dwares retired, leaving the founders, John Wheeler and David Wolfenden, at the helm. The firm moved to its present Pike Creek location, signifying growth and a commitment to better serve its clients.
2008 – Expanding Horizons
To cater to a burgeoning clientele in Sussex County, WW&D opened its Lewes office in 2008, extending its reach and impact.
2009 – A Pledge to Continue
In 2009, co-founder John Wheeler passed away. David Wolfenden and the firm pledged to honor John’s legacy by continuing to develop and maintain personal, long-term client relationships.
2019 – A New Chapter
After eight years of building trust and assuming increasing responsibilities, Kathy Corcoran, CPA, was promoted to Director in 2019. This marked the inception of a new generation of leadership, shaped by the unwavering commitment to putting clients first. This promotion marked Kathy’s 18th year with WW&D.
2023 – A Farewell to David Wolfenden
In 2023, co-founder David Wolfenden passed away, leaving behind 25 years of expertise and relationships woven into the fabric of the firm.
2024 – Celebrating Kathy Corcoran’s Journey
As we build upon our commitment to personalized client relationships, we celebrate Kathy Corcoran’s remarkable 23-year journey with WW&D. Her previous promotion to Director marked the beginning of a new era, and we honor her dedication to putting our clients first.