Bank / Credit Union

First Foundation Bank appoints chief banking officer

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August 14, 2025

First Foundation Inc., the holding company of First Foundation Bank, appointed Stuart Bernstein as EVP and chief banking officer. Bernstein will lead the bank's consumer services, business banking and private client strategy, according to a press release.

Prior to joining First Foundation, Bernstein served as head of branch and private client at Santander Bank, where he managed 500 branches.

"There's no easing in. I'm joining a team that's navigating change with purpose, and I'm here to accelerate that momentum from day one," Bernstein said in the release.

"We are pleased to welcome Stuart to First Foundation's executive leadership team," Thomas C. Shafer, CEO of First Foundation Inc., said in the release. "His extensive experience leading multi-billion-dollar banking operations, along with a consistent focus on talent development and client engagement, makes him ideally suited to drive the next phase of our banking evolution."