Whittier Trust Company

Overview

Whittier Trust Company is a California state-chartered trust company formally established in 1989.² California DFPI lists its institution name as “Whittier Trust Company,” license number 1578, with David Dahl as officer.¹ The firm serves high-net-worth individuals, families, businesses, and foundations.³ Whittier Trust lists offices in Menlo Park, Newport Beach, Pasadena, San Diego, San Francisco, and West Los Angeles, United States.⁴

History

The firm’s predecessor family office was established in 1935 by Leland, Don, Helen, and Paul Whittier.⁵ Whittier Trust describes its multifamily-office heritage as longstanding on the West Coast.⁵ Its Menlo Park office opened in 2022 as an extension of its Northern California presence.⁶

Timeline

1. 1935The firm’s predecessor family office was established in 1935 by Leland, Don, Helen, and Paul Whittier.
2. 1989Whittier Trust Company is a California state-chartered trust company formally established in 1989.
3. 2022Its Menlo Park office opened in 2022 as an extension of its Northern California presence.

Leadership

David A. Dahl is President and Chief Executive Officer of Whittier Trust Company and Whittier Holdings.⁷ Michael J. Casey serves as Executive Chairman of Whittier Trust.⁸ The board includes Michael J. Casey, David A. Dahl, James L. Doti, James G. Ellis, Dr. Jerrold D. Green, Timothy K. McCarthy, Julie Nesbit, James R. Parks, Steven G. Pizula, and Peter J. Zarifes.⁹

Services

Whittier Trust provides investment management, fiduciary services, family office solutions, philanthropic guidance, and real estate investments.¹⁰ Its service offering also includes investment management and consulting, trust services, philanthropy and family continuity, real estate, and estate planning.³

What the firm offers

• Investment management
• Estate planning
• Trust and fiduciary
• Philanthropy
• Private and alternative investments

Client focus

The firm says it helps individuals, families, and foundations with multigenerational wealth planning.¹¹ A 2025 company announcement said Whittier Trust delivers wealth management, family office, philanthropic, fiduciary, and real estate services to multigenerational affluent families across more than 40 states.¹² Its San Francisco office serves individuals and families in the Bay Area and beyond.¹³

Investment philosophy and approach

Whittier Trust says its mission is to guide families across multiple generations by aligning wealth strategies with their values and long-term vision.¹⁴ The firm describes personalized service built around client goals, values, family dynamics, and long-term priorities.¹⁵ It says collaboration, education, and proactive planning empower present and future decision makers.¹⁶

FAQs

Related resources

• LocationMultifamily offices in San Francisco

  This page helps compare multifamily office options in San Francisco and the wider California market. A family considering Whittier Trust Company can use it to frame questions about investment management, fiduciary services, philanthropy, and support for affluent households, businesses, and foundations.

• Network siteEstatePlanner.com

  EstatePlanner.com provides practical guides on wills, trusts, and estate planning concepts. These materials can help a prospective client prepare questions about transferring wealth, coordinating fiduciary responsibilities, and aligning estate decisions with family goals before speaking with a California trust company.

• Network siteFamilyOffices.com

  FamilyOffices.com offers resources and a community focused on single family offices and wealthy families. Readers can use those perspectives to clarify what support they expect from a multifamily office, including investment oversight, private investments, family governance, and philanthropic planning.

• GuideOutsourced CIO vs multifamily office

  This comparison explains how an outsourced chief investment officer differs from a multifamily office. It can help a business owner or family assess whether they need investment management alone or a broader relationship that may include estate planning, trust administration, philanthropy, and fiduciary support.

• Similar firmsConfluence Capital Advisors, LLC
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  Profiles of Confluence Capital Advisors, Andina Capital Management, and Angeles Investment Advisors provide points of comparison with other firms serving wealth holders. Reviewing their stated services, client focus, and locations can help a prospective client organize questions when evaluating Whittier Trust Company.

Sources

1. California DFPI Directory of Trust Companies , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.
2. Whittier Trust Our Legacy , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.
3. Whittier Trust , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.
4. Whittier Trust Our Offices , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.
5. Whittier Trust Our Legacy , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.
6. Whittier Trust Menlo Park Office , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.
7. David A. Dahl , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.
8. Whittier Trust Frequently Asked Questions , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.
9. Whittier Trust Board of Directors , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.
10. Whittier Trust Our Legacy , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.
11. Whittier Trust About , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.
12. Whittier Trust West Los Angeles Office Announcement , accessed October 23, 2026; 2025.
13. Whittier Trust San Francisco Office , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.
14. Whittier Trust About , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.
15. Whittier Trust About , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.
16. Whittier Trust About , accessed October 23, 2026; n.d.

Claim or correct this profile

This profile is a factual summary written in our own words from public sources. It is for information only. It is not an endorsement, rating, ranking or recommendation, and it is not investment advice. MultiFamilyOffices.com is not affiliated with the SEC or with this firm unless stated. Form ADV figures are self-reported by the firm.