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Executive Management

  • Rick Keller, Jr.
    Rick Keller, Jr. CFP*
    Chairman of the Board, First Foundation
    Mr. Keller established the First Foundation Advisors’ predecessor organization in 1990. During the past 24 years he has provided the vision and investment management leadership to create an integrated financial company offering wealth management, consulting, trust and banking services. As the Chairman of the Board he defines and communicates our corporate values throughout the organization and communities we serve. His knowledge of the economy is a key part in delivering investment management
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  • Scott F. Kavanaugh
    Scott F. Kavanaugh
    Chief Executive Officer, First Foundation

    Mr. Kavanaugh brings proven entrepreneurial executive leadership and a strong knowledge of finance, banking and real estate to First Foundation and its affiliates. In his role as the CEO of First Foundation, he is responsible for providing strategic leadership and overseeing the operations of both First Foundation Advisors and First Foundation Bank.

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  • John M. Michel
    John M. Michel
    Chief Financial Officer, First Foundation

    Mr. Michel is responsible for the treasury and financial reporting functions. He also provides assistance to other members of the firm’s management team for business development and financial management matters.

    Mr. Michel, a certified public accountant (inactive), has over 25 years of experience in banking, mortgage and real estate accounting and financial management. He has served as the Chief Financial Officer of community and regional financial institutions. Mr. Michel is a graduate of the

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  • John Hakopian
    John Hakopian
    President, First Foundation Advisors

    Mr. Hakopian oversees the vision, strategy, operations and development of the investment management service for the firm. His entrepreneurial spirit combined with his focus on results, exceptional interpersonal skills, and ability to emphasize people’s core needs continue to drive First Foundation’s management success as the regions’ leading independent wealth advisory firm.

    Having been with First Foundation since its inception in 1990, Mr. Hakopian has been closely involved in developing and

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  • David DePillo
    David DePillo
    President, First Foundation Bank
    With over 25 years experience in banking and investment management, Mr. DePillo brings his experience in leading teams and building banking solutions. In his role as President of First Foundation Bank, he is responsible for implementing the mission and vision of the bank. Mr. DePillo also serves as President of First Foundation Inc.
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Board of Directors

  • Coby Sonenshine

    Mr. Sonenshine is the co-CEO of Prell Restaurant Group, an operator of fast casual restaurants. Previously, Mr. Sonenshine was the President of Professionals’ Retirement Strategy, a retirement planning and entity risk management firm and was the co-founder of RSM EquiCo, an investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions of privately- held middle market companies. Mr. Sonenshine began his career as an equity analyst at Farmers Insurance and Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P.

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  • Mitchell M. Rosenberg, Ph.D.

    Dr. Rosenberg brings extensive expertise in psychology, organizational development and human resources as well vast experience in the banking industry.

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  • Warren Fix, CPA

    Mr. Fix has had an extensive career in finance and management with specific industry expertise in real
estate, hospitality, agriculture, banking and financial services. Since 1992 he has been an active partner in the Contrarian Group, a private investment and management company headed by Peter Ueberroth. From 1989 to December 1992, Mr. Fix served as President of the Pacific Company, a real estate investment and development company. From 1964 to 1989, Mr.

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  • Max Briggs, CFP®

    Mr. Briggs is a financial executive with over 25 years of experience. He was previously the Chairman of the Board of Desert Commercial Bank.

    Mr. Briggs is the President and Chief Executive Officer of FLC Capital Advisors. As co-founder of FLC Capital Advisors, he has helped the company grow to more than $430 million in assets since opening in October 1996.

    Mr. Briggs is also very involved in the community. He is a member of the Desert Estate Planning Council and on the Board of Trustees for the

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  • James Brakke

    Mr. Brakke is an insurance and financial services executive with 40 years of experience. With extensive experience on bank boards, he has also served on many committees including loan and compensation committees.

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