First Foundation Inc., a financial services company with two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, First Foundation Advisors and First Foundation Bank, announced the launch of its Corporate Banking offering along with several appointments and promotions in its Commercial Banking team. 

The newly formed Corporate Banking division will be a part of First Foundation Bank's Commercial Banking efforts. The expanded offering is designed to serve mid-market and larger sized businesses across a variety of industries.

First Foundation Bank will support these companies with day-to-day banking requirements as well as financing solutions for acquisitions, expansions, relocations, and improvements. Clients will be sourced directly by the Corporate Banking team and will include Shared National Credits and similar types of participations with other financial institutions.

"Our Commercial Banking offering has been a strong contributor to the bankís growth and our business clients remain an important part of our client base," said Scott F. Kavanaugh, CEO of First Foundation. "Building a dedicated effort to serve larger relationships positions us to better support our existing clients as well as be a valuable resource for larger companies seeking a banking partner."

Coinciding with the launch, the firm also announced several promotions to support the newly created division. Serving as Corporate Banking Director, Mike Berry will be primarily responsible for servicing existing clients, attracting mid-market and larger sized businesses, and overseeing commercial loan portfolio growth. Dean Smith was promoted to Corporate Banking Portfolio Manager and Shana Gomes was appointed to serve as Commercial Loan Documentation Analyst.

Additionally, Jack Oertwig has been appointed Senior Vice President, Commercial Banker as part of the overall Commercial Banking group where he will maintain commercial banking relationships with small to mid-size companies offering deposits, C&I Lending, SBA Lending, and owner-occupied commercial real estate finance. Mr. Oertwig most recently served as Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager at Citibank and brings with him 27 years of experience in business banking in Orange County.

Garrett Reetz was also promoted to Assistant Vice President, Credit Manager in the bankís Equipment Finance department.