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.