CEO, First Foundation
WHY: Well-known OC banker; founding stockholder of Commercial Capital Bancorp. At bank upon 2007 founding (see Rick Keller entry), took over as CEO in University of Tennessee grad; North Texas State MBA.
RECENT: Began issuing dividends in February. Awarded $250K to nonprofits through revamped program.
QUOTABLE: “While a recession affects everyone, Orange County is highly diversified. We have tech, pharma, banking and other industries; this will help weather recessionary trends.”
