First Foundation Inc., a financial services company with two wholly owned operating subsidiaries, First Foundation Advisors and First Foundation Bank, announced the expansion of its Commercial Banking team in Los Angeles County with the appointment of Matthew Ashworth as Senior Vice President, Director of Commercial Banking; Leeza Jinian as SVP, Commercial Banking Manager; and Yenee Mesfin as SVP, Commercial Banker.

First Foundation Bank recently promoted Michael Berry to Commercial Banking Executive to lead all the bank’s Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, Small Business, and Public Finance teams. With the bank’s growing emphasis on commercial banking, the appointments of this Los Angeles-based team help increase the reach of the team and ensure the bank continues to provide the exceptional level of client service clients have come to expect.

Matthew Ashworth will be responsible for leading the newly formed Los Angeles team of Commercial Bankers by helping them grow their portfolio while still building relationships with new and existing clients. Leeza Jinian will be responsible for generating new commercial banking connections within the community as well as maintaining the bank’s credit quality. Yenee Mesfin will be responsible for cultivating new client relationships within Los Angeles County and expanding the reach of First Foundation Bank’s commercial banking offering.

“We are excited to continue growing our Commercial Banking team, especially across the LA region,” said Berry. “Matthew, Leeza and Yenee each bring decades of experience in commercial banking in LA county, and as the bank continues to diversify our offering, this team is a perfect fit to help serve clients in one of our core markets.”

Ashworth brings over 20 years of experience in the commercial banking industry, most recently he served as Senior Vice President, Los Angeles Regional Manager at Pacific Mercantile Bank. Jinian has served the Los Angeles County for over 20 years and previously was a Senior Vice President, Market Manager for Banc of California in Los Angeles. Mesfin has been working in business banking for 15 years and served as a Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager for Banc of California.