First Foundation Lays Out Its Cards In Las Vegas, Makes Triple Hire

Anna Hallissey

5 September 2014

First Foundation has strengthened its hand in Las Vegas, NV as it makes three hires across its advisory and banking divisions.

Cathy McCaw has been named managing director of subsidiary First Foundation Advisors, reporting to the firm’s president, John Hakopian.

McCaw will help the firm grow its footprint and provide an integrated client experience in the Las Vegas area. The firm first laid its foundations in Las Vegas a year and a half ago and is currently a “priority growth market” for First Foundation, Hakopian said in a statement.

Over her career McCaw has served wealthy entrepreneurs and families, most recently at Bank of America/US Trust. Here she was senior vice president for nearly 15 years in the firm’s private banking arm, where she developed and managed ultra-high net worth client relationships, as well as attracting and retaining new clientele.

Also joining First Foundation in Las Vegas are Cheyanne Ivey and Carla Jewell, who will be posted in its First Foundation Bank subsidiary.

Ivey becomes a private banker in the firm’s trust arm, moving from Wells Fargo where she was a trust officer. She also previously held the role of international tax & business consultant for the Esquire Group.

Jewell was latterly vice president/senior real estate loan officer for the Bank of Nevada, having spent 15 years in the banking industry.

Both Ivey and Jewell will report to David Rahn, First Foundation Bank’s president.

Irvine, CA-headquartered First Foundation has been in operation for just under 25 years and specialises in integrated investment management, wealth planning, consulting, trust and banking services. Its Las Vegas branch is its only operation outside of California.