First Foundation Bank merges into Sunflower Bank

Sunflower Bank will be the new name of all six branch offices of First Foundation Bank in Collier County after a merger with Denver-based FirstSun Capital Bancorp. 

Following an all-stock transaction finalized April 1, all 31 locations of First Foundation across Florida, California, Hawaii, Nevada and Texas now are doing business as Sunflower Bank. First Foundation Bank has seven offices in Florida, including six locations in Collier County and one branch office in Tampa. The bank has two locations in Naples, two in North Naples and other branch offices in Ave Maria and Marco Island. The bank also has a First Foundation Advisors office on Kraft Road in Naples that is now a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstSun Capital Bancorp, Sunflower Bank’s parent holding company.  

Until Sunflower Bank’s system migrations are complete, the First Foundation Bank name and logo will continue to be used, said Jeanne Lipson, director of marketing and senior vice president of Sunflower Bank. 

“We expect the branch signage to change by the end of third quarter 2026, around the time of the system migration,” Lipson said. “Nothing is changing for First Foundation Bank customers at this time, they should continue to visit the branches and use their First Foundation Bank services as they do today. Over the next few weeks and months, we’ll be introducing Sunflower Bank’s complete financial solutions including additional services for personal and business banking, as well as mortgage lending and private wealth into the Naples community.” 

Although First Foundation Bank will continue to operate under the First Foundation name and logo, customers may notice mention of “Sunflower Bank, N.A. dba First Foundation Bank” on some materials for deposit, loan and trust services, according to a note on the First Foundation’s website informing customers what to expect following the merger. 

“Together, we bring you enhanced, relationship-focused financial solutions, including personal banking, commercial and specialty banking, private wealth management, investment management and mortgage lending. We’re committed to providing the same high level of personalized service, accessibility, and responsiveness you’ve come to expect from First Foundation,” the bank reports. 

FirstSun announced that Thomas C. Shafer, former CEO of First Foundation Inc., has joined the company as a director and executive vice chair. Also appointed to the FirstSun board are First Foundation former directors Sam Edelson, Henchy R. Enden, Benjamin Mackovak and C. Allen Parker. 

“We are thrilled to welcome the customers and team members from First Foundation to FirstSun and Sunflower Bank,” said Mollie Hale Carter, executive chair of FirstSun and Sunflower Bank, in a news release. “This merger marks a transformational milestone for FirstSun, accelerating our growth strategy and creating a premier regional bank with a powerful footprint across some of the most dynamic markets in the country.” 

First Foundation Bank offices in Naples originally were part of the First Florida Integrity Bank of Naples. Dallas-based First Foundation Bank expanded into Southwest Florida in December 2021 with the acquisition of the largest independent bank headquartered in Naples.