Ms. Carlson has been with First Foundation from its inception in 2007 and heads the development, direction, and coordination of Human Resources activities. She is responsible for integrating human resource management strategies and recommending policies and practices responsive to federal, state, and company requirements. In her time at First Foundation, she has overseen the growth of the employee base to over 700 employees and integrated teams across six separate M&A deals. 

Prior to joining First Foundation, Ms. Carlson held the position of Vice President, Human Resources Manager of Commercial Capital Bank where she was responsible for talent management and human capital coordination of mergers and acquisitions.  

Ms. Carlson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University and an Associate Degree in Legal Assisting from Saddleback College.