First Foundation Bank has strengthened its Californian private banking operations with the appointment of Valerie Van Winkle who is to join the La Quinta office as vice president, private banker.

Van Winkle’s previous roles include some ten years with Coachella Valley banks in senior management roles and client development activities.

In her new role Van Winkle will serve as a single point of contact for business and personal clients, the firm said in a statement.

"As we continue to expand across California, we are particularly excited about increasing our presence within the greater Coachella Valley,” said Scott Kavanaugh, chief executive of First Foundation.

First Foundation Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Foundation, which offers investment management, wealth planning, consulting, trust and banking services.