Julie Martin. Photo courtesy of Enloe Health

BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Butte College's largest fundraising event, the Butte College Spring Gala, will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the Sierra Nevada Big Room in Chico. This year's theme is "Creating Careers and Futures."

Each year, the event honors outstanding alumni who have excelled in their professions and given back to their communities. This year's honorees are Julie Martin, vice president of ambulatory operations at Enloe Health, and Brandon Slater, president of Slater & Son.

Julie Martin

Vice President of Ambulatory Operations, Enloe Health

Julie Martin is a distinguished healthcare professional with a career spanning over 18 years at Enloe Health. Martin’s career has been marked by increasing scope and responsibility; she currently serves as the vice president of ambulatory operations.

Martin began her journey in healthcare as a certified nursing assistant in various California care settings before obtaining her LVN certificate from Butte College in 2001. She returned to Butte College to earn her associate degree in registered nursing in 2003. Throughout her tenure at Enloe, Martin's work has had a profound impact on the communities she serves. From roles such as staff nurse and charge nurse to her pivotal position as director of quality management, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional knowledge of healthcare operations and regulatory requirements. She went on to earn a bachelor's and master's in nursing with an emphasis on leadership. As a certified professional in healthcare quality, Martin has played a key role in innovations such as expanding Enloe's command center structure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Martin finds joy in her role as a wife, mother to four children, and grandmother to four grandchildren. Her interests extend to crafting, reading and traveling, reflecting a well-rounded individual whose curiosity and passion take her beyond the walls of Enloe Health.

Brandon Slater

President, Slater & Son

Brandon Slater began his college journey in Butte College's welding classes while still in high school. This commitment paved the way for him to enter Chico State as a sophomore. In 2006, he graduated with a degree in construction management. In 2011, he joined his family's construction company, Slater & Son, as vice president and became president in 2020. His leadership has steered the company through managing multimillion-dollar projects, including new commercial, residential, and school facilities and school modernization endeavors. Slater's philosophy centers on constructing vital community assets with unwavering quality.

A full-circle moment came in 2018 when Slater & Son broke ground on Butte College's new Welding and Manufacturing Facility, a testament to Slater's connection to his alma mater.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Slater continues his family's legacy of philanthropy and civic engagement. Actively involved in causes such as youth development, empowerment, and education, he generously contributes to organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs of the North Valley. Slater's commitment extends to various board affiliations, including serving as secretary for the Valley Contractors Exchange and contributing to the CSU, Chico Construction Management Industry Advisory Board; Chico Police Department Business Support Team; and Evangelical Free Church of Chico Community Service Team.

"Julie and Brandon reflect the far-reaching effects a Butte College education has in our community," said Superintendent/President Virginia L. Guleff. "Both started at Butte and have gone on to be exemplary leaders in their industries and communities."

This special event is hosted by the Butte College Foundation and benefits scholarships, foundation services, Butte College Industrial Technology Programs, and the Ag Leadership Club. Tickets to this year's gala have sold out, but community members can still support the event by donating at butte.edu/give.

Incorporated in 1992, the Butte College Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the college and its students, faculty, and staff. Last year alone, the Foundation distributed more than 200 scholarships directly to deserving students. The Butte College Foundation relies on community donations to support as many as 13,000 students each year.

Platinum sponsors are Tri Counties Bank, MJB Welding, Modern/Clark & Sullivan, Rock Creek Construction / Holt Heating and Air Partnership, and The Law Offices of Dan Alexander.

Brandon Slater. Photo courtesy of Butte College