Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International was recognized for his leadership, compassion, and commitment to advancing awareness around substance use disorder, reducing stigma, and supporting the well-being of
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2026
Ninth Annual Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes Reception at ALIS Unites 75 Hospitality Companies Raises $2.1 Million to Advance Solutions to the Addiction Crisis
Anthony Capuano, President & CEO of Marriott International, Honored with 2026 Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization and leader in transforming how the healthcare system addresses and treats substance use disorder, honored Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International, with the 2026 Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award on January 27, 2026, during the Ninth Annual Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes Reception, held in conjunction with ALIS in Los Ang Angeles.
Capuano was recognized for his leadership, compassion, and commitment to advancing awareness around substance use disorder, reducing stigma, and supporting the well-being of hospitality employees and communities worldwide.
Senior executives from across the hospitality industry gathered at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE to honor Capuano and demonstrate their collective commitment to addressing the addiction crisis. Under Capuano’s leadership, 75 hospitality companies rallied together and helped raise an all-time high for the event -- $2.1 million to advance Shatterproof’s mission of transforming systems, supporting families, and ending stigma.
Shatterproof was founded in 2012 by co-founder of HEI Hotels & Resorts Gary Mendell, who lost his son Brian to addiction in 2011 and now serves as Shatterproof’s Chairperson Emeritus.
“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 next morning, industry leaders and Shatterproof leadership hosted a panel discussion, titled The Business of Well-Being: Protecting People, Purpose, and Profit in Hospitality, focused on the hospitality industry’s role in addressing substance use disorder, strengthening workplace support systems, and expanding access to education and resources. The panel was moderated by Jeff Higley, President at The BHN Group, a division of Northstar Travel Group and the panelists included: Gary Mendell, Founder & Chairperson Emeritus, Shatterproof, Pam Jenkins, CEO, Shatterproof, Leeny Oberg, CFO & EVP, Development Marriott International, and Geoff Ballotti, President & CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
According to recent data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), employees in restaurants and hotels—two major branches of the hospitality industry—experience some of the highest rates of substance use in the U.S. workforce. Specifically, “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.” Substance use disorder impacts not only individuals and families but also businesses, costing billions of dollars annually through increased healthcare expenses, absenteeism, and lost productivity.
Since 2016, the hospitality industry has raised more than $12 million for Shatterproof through events held at ALIS. This represents over 150 companies and 500 industry leaders. In addition to financial support, hospitality partners continue to expand adoption of Shatterproof’s employee education program Just Five, publicly support Shatterproof’s Walks to End Addiction and invite Shatterproof into their businesses to host courageous conversations to end stigma by starting dialogue.
“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:
James Burba, The BHN Group; Jeff Higley, The BHN Group, Paul Whetsell, CapStar Hotel Company; Clark Hanrattie, Rachel Moniz, Anthony Rutledge, and Greg Mendell, HEI Hotels & Resorts; Chris Nassetta, Hilton; Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Dan Lesser, LW Hospitality Advisors; Bill Reynolds, Marcus Hotels; Anthony Capuano, Marriott International; Amanda Hite, STR, Mark Woodworth, Woodworth Core Group; Stacy Silver, Silver Hospitality Group; Gary Mendell, Shatterproof; Thomas Corcoran, TCOR Hotel Partners; Patrick Campbell, Tim Hodes, and Merrick Kleeman, Wheelock Street Capital; and Geoff Ballotti, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.
For more information and a full list of sponsors, visit www.shatterproofalis.org.
Event photos can be found here, https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCHW8v
Media Contacts
Holly Jespersen
Senior Manager, Communications
Shatterproof
hjespersen@shatterproof.org
Stacy Silver
Founder and President
Silver Hospitality Group
ssilver@silverhospitalitygroup.com
About Shatterproof
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where addiction never defines or ends a life. Guided by its mission to transform systems, support families, and end stigma, Shatterproof advances evidence-based solutions to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery; drives policy change to strengthen addiction care and accountability; educates the public to replace stigma with understanding; and equips families with trusted resources and support. Grounded in science and rigorous measurement, Shatterproof helps people today while catalyzing lasting systems change for future generations.
Follow Shatterproof on Facebook, X, and YouTube at @ShatterproofHQ, and on Instagram at @weareshatterproof. Learn more at www.Shatterproof.org.
