Associates

Perry Buckman is a Partner, President, and PIM Portfolio Manager at Buckman & Corning Financial Strategies Group in Scottsdale, AZ. He has more than 20 years of experience in the industry focusing on individual wealth management and corporate retirement plans. In 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Perry was recognized as a Premier Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors. The Premier Advisors distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by completion of risk and compliance training, business  production based on the past year and professionalism.  Net asset flow (NAF) may also be used to determine recipients. Additional criteria, including length of service, may also be used to determine recipients. Perry's inclusion in the Premier Advisors Program underscores his ability to understand clients' aspirations and develop investment plans and strategies to help achieve those objectives. More importantly, it reflects his capability to earn clients' trust by offering sound, objective and professional advice.   In 2021, Perry was recognized by Forbes™ Magazine as a Best in State Wealth Advisor in Arizona.*  He holds several industry specific registrations including: AIF®, CRPC®, Series 7, Series 66, Series 31 and Variable Life/Health Insurance License. Perry received his Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Arizona. In his free time, Perry enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and family.

*The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a rating. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

This information is intended for use by residents of AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, HI, IA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, TN, TX, VA, WA.

CA Insurance LIC# 4033682

Resident State AZ

Nicole Corning is a Managing Partner of the Buckman & Corning Financial Strategies Group of Wells Fargo Financial Network.  She holds several industry designations including that of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ CFP®, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor CRPC®, and the Accredited Investment Fiduciary AIF®.  She has been part of the finance and banking industry in Scottsdale, Arizona since 2001. 

Nicole is a member of the Retirement Advisor Council and was named one of the Top Women Advisor by the National Association of Plan Advisors, NAPA*, in 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021.  She was also named one of the top 401 Retirement Advisors by the Financial Times** in 2020. 

Prior to coming to Arizona, Nicole worked in Washington D.C. and had the honor of working on two presidential campaigns as well as several senatorial and congressional campaigns around the country.  Nicole is also a published author and hosts a podcast focused on working mother issues.  She has appeared on the Katie Couric Show and has been featured in Financial Planning Magazine, 401K Specialist Magazine, NAPANet Magazine, and Plan Consultant Magazine.  In 2020 she was named the inaugural chairwoman of the American Retirement Association Council for Women.  She is active in the Scottsdale non-profit community and sits on the advisory board of the Care Fund, is a graduate of Scottsdale Leadership Class of XXIV, and sits on the NAPA Governmental Affairs Committee. Nicole graduated Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  She has two young sons, three loyal rescue dogs, and has been (mostly) happily married since 2001. 

*The 2021 National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) Top Women Advisors rating were based on applications received from nominees designated by NAPA Broker-Dealer/RIA Firm Partners. Those applications are vetted by a panel of senior advisor industry experts based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative data submitted by the nominees, as well as a broker-check review. Investment performance is not an explicit component. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 

**The Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Advisers ratings are based on the previous year’s data provided by financial advisors and financial services firms. The applicants were then graded on six criteria: DC assets under management (AUM); DC AUM growth rate; specialization in DC plans; years of experience; advanced industry credentials; and compliance record. Investment performance is not an explicit component. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

This information is intended for use by residents of AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MI, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI 

CA Insurance Lic# 0I03854    

Resident State AZ

With over 30 years of experience in financial services, Karen is dedicated to helping the clients of Buckman and Corning Financial Strategies Group address their financial needs by supporting our Financial Advisors as they develop investment plans that will pursue our clients’ long-term goals.   Karen’s extensive experience in operations and compliance helps her to assist our clients and Financial Advisors with the administrative side of the business.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Concordia University in River Forest, IL, Karen began her financial services career as a trading assistant with A. G. Becker in 1981.  Karen joined Wells Fargo Advisors in 1991, where she worked in management until the end of 2019 when she joined Buckman and Corning Financial Strategies Group.

Committed to helping the educational community thrive, Karen is a member of the board of the Concordia University Foundation and the Concordia University Foundation Investment Committee.  After moving from the Chicago area in 1999, she and her husband reside in Scottsdale.  Away from the office, Karen and her husband enjoy hiking and traveling to visit family, friends and new places.

Securities Registered in the following states:  Arizona

As a Financial Advisor for Pathlight Advisors, Danny specializes in personalized wealth strategies which include retirement asset management, investment planning, and retirement plan rollovers. Through Danny’s work with participants in the more than ninety Institutional Retirement plans managed by his team, he has a deep understanding of how to help individuals plan for all stages of their financial lives; from qualified plan rollovers and college savings planning to insurance needs analysis and comprehensive retirement planning. He enjoys working with individuals to help them navigate through critical life events and holds FINRA registrations including the Series 7, 63, and 65.

Prior to working at Pathlight Advisors, Danny worked at an institutional fixed income brokerage firm in the Bay Area with a focus on tax free municipal bonds, corporate bonds, treasuries, and mortgage-backed securities.

During his college tenure, he was captain of the Arizona State University swim team. Danny qualified for Olympic Trials and Men’s Division 1 NCAA Swimming Championships. He was a finalist in multiple PAC 12 and U.S National Championship meets. As a captain, the ASU men’s swim team finished in the top 25 division 1 schools in the country.

 

Securities Registered in the following states: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, MI, MS, NC, NM, NV, NY, SC, TX, VA, WI

CA Insurance License: Lic# 4008122    Resident State:  Arizona

Kathleen Wilson, Operations Manager, has worked in the Financial Services Industry for 22 years. During her career she has worked as a compliance manager where she assisted in supervising up to 52 support staff, reviewing account activity, training, and problem solving all while focusing on efficiency. 

Kathleen holds the FINRA Securities Registrations 7, 66, 9, 10, 23 and AZ Insurance License.  Kathleen strives to provide exceptional client service and is responsible for all operational items with the Buckman Corning Financial Strategies Group including trading, account reconciliation, scheduling and transferring assets.

Kathleen loves cooking and reading. She and her husband Dale are originally from the Pacific Northwest and have enjoyed living in Arizona for the past 23 years.  They stay active with their two children and many outdoor activities including hiking, camping and sports.

Securities Registered in the following states: AZ, CA, CO, HI, IA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MI, NC, NJ, NM, NY, OR, TX, VA, WA, 

Steve’s time in the financial services industry began back in 2018 as a Financial Advisor.  He holds the industry specific designations including FINRA securities registrations Series 7 and 66, as well as Arizona insurance license.  Steve is passionate about enhancing people’s knowledge about their financial future needs and aiding people to get them to where they want to go, financially.  

Before getting involved in the securities industry, Steve was as an aquatics director and head swim coach.  He has worked with numerous people from ages 2 through 99 including Olympic, college, high school, age group champions, CEO’s, triathletes, and even an Indy car driver. 

Steve is married to his wife, Kasey, who they met as professional dancers/teachers/choreographers, and have 4 kids (2 boys and twin girls).  When he is not in the office, you can find him on the sports fields watching his kids play all sports, whether he is coaching or as a spectator.  If he gets free time to himself, you might find him cooking, dancing, lifting, swimming, golfing, mountain biking, reading, or watching football (or any sport, as his wife would say).  But with 4 kids, free time is few and far between, but he would not have it any other way. 

Securities Registered in the following states: AZ

Insurance Licensed: AZ

Tory Thompson is a Registered Client Associate at The Pathlight Advisors of Buckman & Corning Financial Strategies Group. He began his affiliation with The Pathlight Advisors in April of 2023. Prior to his employment with Pathlight Advisors, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Economics from Grand Canyon University. Tory first gained experience in the financial services industry when he worked as an Advisor Support Representative at The Vanguard Group.

As a Registered Client Associate, Tory is dedicated to assisting the Financial Advisors with client operations and procedures. In this role he helps clients set up retirement and advisory accounts, assists with operational issues, and assists the Financial Advisors with facilitating client relationships.

Tory was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ where he spent most of his youth outdoors playing sports or in the mountains camping. He enjoys hiking on the weekends when the weather isn’t too hot, playing sports with his friends or spending the night in cooking and watching movies.

Resident State: Arizona

Securities Licenses Series 7, Series 63 

As a Client Associate, I am dedicated to servicing individuals and businesses with the development of their financial and investment strategies that line up with their needs, goals, and risk tolerance. My mission is to provide every client with the utmost client experience and customer service delivered with the highest level of professional integrity.

Earlier in my career, I worked as a Client Associate with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Peoria, Illinois. I graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Finance.

In addition to helping my clients, I am committed to being active in my community. Currently I’m involved with the Arizona Sports League. Away from the office, I also enjoy hiking, working out, reading, chess and spending time with my loved ones. I currently reside in North Scottsdale, but by heart I’m a Midwesterner.