Shatterproof honored Anthony Capuano, president and CEO of Marriott International, with the 2026 Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award during the Ninth Annual Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes Reception, held in conjunction with ALIS in Los Angeles, CA. The event brought together senior hospitality executives at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE and marked the ninth year the industry has gathered at ALIS to support Shatterproof.
Capuano received the award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to advancing awareness around substance use disorder, reducing stigma and supporting the well-being of hospitality employees and communities worldwide. During the reception, 75 hospitality companies participated and raised $2.1 million, the highest total in the event’s history. The funds support Shatterproof’s mission of transforming systems, supporting families and ending stigma.
Shatterproof was founded in 2012 by Gary Mendell, co-founder of HEI Hotels & Resorts, after the loss of his son Brian in 2011. Mendell now serves as chairperson emeritus of the organization. Since 2016, the hospitality industry has raised more than $12 million for Shatterproof through events at ALIS, representing over 150 companies and 500 industry leaders.
 “I humbly accept this honor on behalf of everyone at Marriott who is committed to showing up with empathy, dignity, and care for our people and for our industry,” said Capuano. “Addiction touches every one of us as family members, as leaders, as friends, and as employers. In the hospitality industry, the need is especially urgent. Shatterproof is charting a new, better, more compassionate path forward. My deep gratitude goes to Gary Mendell, the entire Shatterproof team, and the donors who stand with this extraordinary organization.”
The following morning, industry leaders and Shatterproof executives hosted a panel discussion titled The Business of Well-Being: Protecting People, Purpose, and Profit in Hospitality. The session focused on the hospitality industry’s role in addressing substance use disorder, strengthening workplace support systems and expanding access to education and resources. Jeff Higley, president at The BHN Group, a division of Northstar Travel Group, moderated the panel. Participants included Gary Mendell, founder and chairperson emeritus at Shatterproof, Pam Jenkins, CEO of Shatterproof, Leeny Oberg, CFO and EVP of development at Marriott International and Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration cited during the event showed that employees in restaurants and hotels experience some of the highest rates of substance use in the U.S. workforce. The data states that “17% of accommodations and food services employees had a substance use disorder in the past year, and 15% of workers in the hospitality industry struggle with severe alcohol-related problems.” The organization noted that substance use disorder affects individuals and families and creates financial strain on businesses through health care costs, absenteeism and lost productivity.
Hospitality partners continue to support Shatterproof beyond fundraising by adopting the Just Five employee education program, supporting Walks to End Addiction and hosting internal conversations aimed at reducing stigma and expanding awareness.
“We are so inspired by the hospitality industry’s leadership and continued commitment to Shatterproof and to addressing substance use disorder,” said Pam Jenkins, Shatterproof’s CEO. “Leadership is about creating the conditions for people to succeed. When we invest in wellbeing, address addiction with rigor and empathy, and act together, we don’t just change outcomes—we change lives. Substance use disorder is a preventable disease, and through education, awareness, and collective action, this industry is reducing stigma, expanding access to care, and saving lives.”
The 2026 Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes Committee includes representatives from hospitality companies, advisory firms and industry organizations who continue to support the nonprofit’s work through ALIS and related initiatives.