Company: FFWM
Filing Date: 2025-04-17
Form Type: DEF 14A
Source: 0001104659-25-036041
Chunk: 14

Company: First Foundation Inc.
Filing Date: 2025-04-17
Form: DEF 14A
Chunk 14
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 the timeframe applicable to them. Board Leadership Structure. The Chairman of our Board is Max A. Briggs and our Chief Executive Officer is Thomas C. Shafer. Our Board decided to separate the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer because our Board believes that doing so provides the appropriate leadership structure for us at this time, particularly since the separation of those two positions enables our Chief Executive Officer to focus on the management of our business and the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, while the Chairman leads our Board in the performance of its responsibilities. Director Independence and Diversity . Our Board has evaluated the independence of its members based on the definition of independence for purposes of Board membership and membership on the Board’s standing committees that are applicable to the Company because its shares are listed on the NYSE. 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS Based on that evaluation, our Board has concluded that (i) eight Board nominees are independent: Mses. Pagliarini and Enden and Messrs. Briggs, Rosenberg, Sonenshine, Edelson, Mackovak and Parker; and (ii) all of the members of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and Risk Committee are independent. Our Board believes that differences in experience, knowledge, skills and viewpoints enhance the Board’s performance. Accordingly, while the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers such diversity in selecting, evaluating and recommending proposed Board nominees, our Board does not currently have a formal policy with respect to the consideration of diversity for the composition of our Board. Director Responsibilities . Directors are expected to act in the best interests of all stockholders; develop and maintain a sound understanding of our business and the industry in which we operate; prepare for and attend Board and Board committee meetings; and provide active, objective and constructive participation at those meetings. Director Access to Management . Directors have access to members of management and members of management provide Board presentations and reports regarding the functional areas of our business for which they are responsible. Adequate Funding for the Board and its Committees . The Company provides the funding necessary to enable our Board and each of its committees to retain independent advisors as our Board, or such committees acting independently of the full Board, deem to be necessary or appropriate. Executive Sessions without Management . The independent directors of our Board hold separate sessions, outside the presence of management, to consider and evaluate the performance of the Company and its management and such other matters as they deem appropriate. In addition, the Audit Committee meets separately with the Company’s outside auditors. Communications with the Board of Directors