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Press Release

First Foundation Bank Expands Banking Team, Adds New Branch Managers and Relationship Banker

Silvia Zada and John Mejia join as new branch managers and Allan Gomez as senior vice president, relationship banker

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Foundation Inc. (NASDAQ: FFWM), a financial services company with two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, First Foundation Advisors and First Foundation Bank, announced today the appointments of Silvia Zada and John Mejia as Vice President, Branch Managers located at the bank’s Irvine and Sacramento locations, respectively, as well as the appointment of Allan Gomez as Senior Vice President, Relationship Banker.

Silvia Zada will lead the team in developing new relationships in the Orange County region as head of the Irvine branch. With an emphasis on providing superior client service, Zada brings more than 35 years of experience in the banking industry with 15 years plus of branch leadership. She most recently served as Vice President, Branch Manager at International City Bank where she was responsible for the overall sales and operating efficiency of the commercial branch.

In First Foundation’s Sacramento office, John Mejia will lead the team by expanding the client base in the Sacramento region as well as providing personal service and support for existing relationships. Mejia’s background of over 15 years in the banking industry has focused on fostering new relationships throughout the Sacramento area while providing exceptional client service which he will utilize in his new role. Prior to joining First Foundation, he most recently served as Branch Manager at California Bank and Trust.

In his new role as a Senior Vice President, Relationship Banker, Allan Gomez will be working with the team in the Orange County region to generate new commercial and specialty deposits through building new relationships within the community. He brings with him 15 years of experience in banking, and most recently served as a Vice President, Commercial & Specialty Deposits Banking at Umpqua Bank.

“As we continue to expand, it is important to have strong leaders in place to help us deepen our presence in the local community and allow us to continue to deliver an excellent client experience,” said Lindsay Lawrence, Chief Operating Officer of First Foundation Bank. “We are so excited to welcome Silvia, John, and Allan, to the outstanding team we have at First Foundation Bank.”

First Foundation Bank’s Irvine branch is located at 18101 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 150. https://firstfoundationinc.com/find-location/irvine-branch.

First Foundation Bank’s Sacramento branch is located at 1601 Response Road, Suite 190. https://firstfoundationinc.com/find-location/sacramento-branch.

About First Foundation

First Foundation, a financial institution founded in 1990, provides private wealth management, personal banking, and business banking. The Company has offices in California, Nevada, and Hawaii with headquarters in Irvine, California. For more information, please visit www.firstfoundationinc.com.

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Deposit and loan products offered by First Foundation Bank, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #793235.

Investment and Advisory Services provided by First Foundation Advisors, an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Trust Services and Insurance Services are offered through First Foundation Bank. First Foundation Insurance Services license number #0H38553.

Investment, Insurance, Digital Assets, and Advisory Products and Services:

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  • ARE NOT A DEPOSIT
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