IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scott F. Kavanaugh, Chief Executive Officer of financial services institution First Foundation Inc., today announced the opening of a new Las Vegas, Nevada, office. Offering a full suite of investment management, wealth planning, consulting, insurance, trust and banking solutions, this is First Foundation's seventh full-service office and the first outside of California.
"Nevada offers unique estate planning opportunities that do not exist in many states, including California. Two primary examples are Nevada asset protection and dynasty trusts. In an environment where high taxes seem likely to continue, these types of trusts can be powerful tools to preserve and protect family wealth over several generations. This has been particularly important to our clients in the highest tax brackets. Now, with Nevada trust powers, we believe we have a strong alternative that fits these clients' needs," said Scott Kavanaugh.
The Nevada team is comprised of long-time Nevada residents who average more than 20 years of financial services experience.
"Nevada has some of the most sophisticated estate planning and asset protection laws in the country. At First Foundation, we can not only manage our clients' wealth, but find the best ways to leverage those laws to help clients preserve their legacy for future generations," according to Melani Shanks, Vice President, Private Banker – Trust. Ms. Shanks provides trust administration for individuals, families and private foundations in Nevada. She brings to the team more than 20 years of experience in trust, estate and charitable trust management – most recently as a VP and Senior Trust Officer for US Trust, serving the Las Vegas and Northern Nevada markets.
"First Foundation focuses on the client, integrating the best in banking and wealth management solutions to meet their needs. I'm particularly proud of our commitment to philanthropic and community involvement, notably so far with the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation," said Viola Hill, Vice President, Private Banker. Ms. Hill is responsible for the private banking needs of Nevada clients. She has more than 25 years of experience in the banking industry, most recently with the Private Bank at US Trust in Las Vegas.
"Las Vegas is a city of ingenuity and resilience. While it was hit hard by the real estate crash, its people never lost hope or their vision for the future. Our commitment to bringing true private banking services back to the valley means we can cater to the needs of those who are helping make the recovery a reality," said Robert Hoffman, Managing Director. Responsible for the investment and financial planning needs of our Nevada clients, Mr. Hoffman brings to the team more than 20 years of experience – most recently as Regional Director for the Private Client Reserve, focused on Nevada and Arizona. In particular, he has a history of advising technology industry leaders and real estate owners.
"We're excited to represent First Foundation in Nevada," said Glenn Gavin, Managing Director.
"Built on a foundation of trust, strength and experience, we differentiate ourselves by not only enhancing our clients' wealth, but also enhancing their well-being." Mr. Gavin is responsible for the investment and consulting solutions for Nevada clients. He brings to the team more than 20 years of experience in the banking, financial and insurance industries – most recently as a Private Client Advisor for US Trust.
The local team will be further supported by investment, trust, planning and banking colleagues located throughout Southern California.
The Nevada office is located at 6725 Via Austi Parkway, Suite 100, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119.
For more information on First Foundation's team: (http://ff-inc.com/aboutus/our-team.aspx).
About First Foundation
First Foundation Inc. is a private financial services firm that offers comprehensive banking, planning, investment, trust and consulting solutions through its two wholly-owned subsidiaries, First Foundation Advisors and First Foundation Bank. Founded in 1990, this full-service firm serves individuals, businesses and non-profits through six Southern California offices in Irvine, Los Angeles, Palm Desert, Imperial Valley, Pasadena and San Diego; and one in Las Vegas, Nevada. First Foundation, Inc. is headquartered at 18101 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 750, Irvine, CA 92612. For more information, please visit www.ff-inc.com or contact Debbie Douglas at 949-375-3436 or debbie@douglasstrategic.com.