First Foundation Inc. announced that Chief Executive Officer, Scott F. Kavanaugh, has been named President of First Foundation Inc. and First Foundation Bank, effective immediately. Chief Financial Officer and Interim President, Kevin Thompson, has stepped down. Amy Djou, First Foundation Bank's Chief Accounting Officer, will assume the position of Interim Chief Financial Officer of First Foundation Inc. and First Foundation Bank while First Foundation conducts a comprehensive search for a permanent replacement.

Kavanaugh has served as CEO of First Foundation Inc. and First Foundation Bank since 2009. He was formerly an Executive Vice President and Director of Secondary Marketing for Provident Funding. Kavanaugh was a founding stockholder of Commercial Capital Bancorp and served as Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer from June 1999 to February 2003.

Mr. Kavanaugh also served as Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Commercial Capital Mortgage since its formation in 1998 until 2003. During his tenure, the bank grew over 400% and was successfully taken public in December 2002.