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New commercial banking solution created to provide a dedicated
offering to existing and potential clients
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The launch coincides with the appointment of Michael Berry as well as
Dean Smith and Nicole Hernandez
First Foundation Inc. (NASDAQ: FFWM), a financial services company with
two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, First Foundation Advisors and
First Foundation Bank, which collectively provide investment management,
wealth planning, consulting, insurance, trust and banking services
primarily to high net-worth individuals and businesses, today announced
the launch of its commercial banking solution.
The new offering was created to deliver greater value to clients by
providing commercial banking services to both existing and new clients.
The newly formed group will lead efforts to grow the bank’s commercial
and industrial loan portfolio as well as commercial deposit portfolio.
The launch coincides with the appointment of Michael Berry, who will
lead the solution build out and serve as Senior Vice President. An
18-year veteran of the banking industry, Mr. Berry previously served as
a Vice President of First Community Bank and Vice President of Argent
Bank, formerly Sonoma Bank. Mr. Berry has focused his expertise on
commercial lending for a majority of his career, and brings a wealth of
knowledge and experience.
“The commercial banking solution has always been an important component
to our platform, and now with a dedicated team to lead our growth and
development, we expect to be able to offer enhanced solutions for
commercial banking clients,” said Scott F. Kavanaugh, CEO of First
Foundation. “We are thrilled to have Michael and his team of experienced
bankers lead our efforts in this important area.”
Mr. Berry will be joined by Dean Smith, who will serve as Vice President
and has 10 years of industry experience, and Nicole Hernandez, who will
assist clients in private banking with her 19 years of industry
knowledge. Mr. Smith joins First Foundation after serving as Vice
President of the Commercial Lending Department of First Community Bank.
Ms. Hernandez also previously served as a Commercial Loan Specialist at
Umpqua Bank.
About First Foundation
First Foundation, a financial institution founded in 1990, provides
integrated investment management, wealth planning, consulting,
insurance, trust and banking services. The Company is headquartered in
Irvine, California, with offices in Newport Beach, Pasadena, West Los
Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, Indian Wells and the Imperial Valley in
California; in Las Vegas, Nevada; and in Honolulu, Hawaii. For more
information, please visit our website at www.ff-inc.com.
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