Blanca Martinez (pictured holding the Cal Football game day ball) was honored during the game on Oct. 17 by Sutter leaders including Greater San Francisco & East Bay Division President Christina Oh (far right) and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rob Nordgren (left). Martinez’s supervisor, Farah Montalvo (second from left), was there to cheer her on.
By Cat Valles, Vitals contributor
Blanca Martinez thought she was signing up for a summer job. Thirty-six years later, she’s still at Sutter Health and now leads patient services and regional operations for Sutter’s Greater San Francisco and East Bay Division. And on Oct. 17, she stood on the field at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, honored with the Cal Football game ball during the Bears’ matchup against North Carolina.
The moment wasn’t just a celebration of Martinez’s career. It was a tribute to the heart and dedication she’s brought to Sutter for more than three decades.
“It is such an honor, incredibly humbling and deeply meaningful to be recognized in this way, especially alongside so many inspiring Sutter leaders,” Martinez said. “This moment is not just about me — it’s about all of us who show up every day with heart, humility and hope to serve our patients and each other.”
Martinez’s journey began in Palo Alto, where she was raised and where she first encountered the Palo Alto Medical Foundation during a high school career day. Inspired by the clinicians’ mission, she applied for a receptionist role (now known as a patient service representative) at the original PAMF building on Homer Avenue.
That first job sparked a lifelong passion for healthcare.
“My original plan was to become a lawyer before I realized that my heart was in the healthcare field,” she said.
Blanca Martinez (right) was honored at a recent Cal Football game. Pictured with Farah Montalvo (left) and Sutter’s mascot, River.
Over the years, Martinez has held multiple roles across Sutter, including part-time positions while raising her family. She credits her career path with shaping her leadership style.
“I believe that’s where I have a good connection with my team,” she said. “They know I understand where they’re coming from, and I can share what I’ve done in their role. That makes a difference to them.”
Now, as a director, Martinez continues to find meaning in the relationships she’s built with patients and colleagues alike.
“It’s especially meaningful to see patients I once checked in as children now returning with kids of their own,” she said. “Moments like these remind me of the lasting relationships we build and the trust our communities place in us.”
Martinez’s recognition at the Cal game was made possible by a nomination from Genea Wilson, CEO of the East Bay Ambulatory Division – Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation.
Genea Wilson, CEO of the East Bay Ambulatory Division – Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation
“Blanca is such a special leader on our team,” Wilson said. “We’re incredibly grateful for the heart, inspiration and patient service expertise she brings to Sutter. After over 30 years of service, I am so proud to see her publicly recognized with this honor.”
Martinez also expressed gratitude to Wilson and Operations Executive Farah Montalvo for their support, as well as her pride in representing her East Bay team.
Her official work anniversary is Oct. 23. But this year, the celebration came a little early, and with a game ball in hand.
