Shatterproof announces new CEO, Pam Jenkins
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC — June 30 — Shatterproof, a national nonprofit dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the U.S., announced today that Pam Jenkins has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective June 30, 2025. Jenkins succeeds Founder and CEO Gary Mendell, who launched Shatterproof in 2013 following the loss of his son Brian to substance use. Mendell is retiring from the role but will remain deeply involved in the organization as Chairperson Emeritus and member of the Board’s Executive Committee.
Jenkins emerged as the unanimous choice of Shatterproof’s Search Working Group and Board of Directors after a rigorous, 6-month national search led by executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates.
As a nationally recognized leader in public health and public affairs, Jenkins has spent more than three decades counseling and partnering with government agencies as well as numerous healthcare companies and national and international nonprofits to engage stakeholders in critical issues, drive behavior and policy change and improve health outcomes. She most recently served in a dual role as Chief Public Affairs Officer and Chief Public Health Officer at global communications firm Weber Shandwick where she led a large North America business unit and oversaw the global public affairs and public health practices. Jenkins leaves Weber Shandwick after a 21-year tenure.
As part of the governance transition, the Shatterproof Board of Directors has elected Gary Henson, an accomplished business leader and Shatterproof advocate, as incoming Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. Henson currently is managing partner of 503 Capital Partners and has served on the Shatterproof Board since 2015.
"This transition marks a new chapter for Shatterproof,” said Mendell. “Having Gary Henson and Pam Jenkins taking on the leadership of the organization gives me great confidence in our future and ambition. Pam’s deep expertise in public health and policy, passion for health equity, strategic insight and long-standing support for our organization make her the right chief executive for our next phase of impact.”
“I am so honored to have the opportunity to take on the biggest public health challenge of our time; and to do so as head of the nation’s most impactful advocacy organization in addiction,” said Jenkins, who has served on the Shatterproof Board since 2021 and who has advised the organization since its inception. “Shatterproof is a powerful force for change. I look forward to building on Gary Mendell’s legacy and partnering with our Board and staff to prevent substance use disorder; improve access to quality, science-based care; fight stigma and save lives.”
“With more than 250,000 people dying annually from overdose and causes related to alcohol, combined with dramatic cuts in public health resources and services, the need to drive change and support families and communities has never been more urgent,” she added.
For media inquiries, please contact:
press@shatterproof.org
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About Shatterproof
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the burden of substance use disorder in the United States. Shatterproof is focused on increasing access to quality, science-based addiction treatment; educating society on prevention, treatment and recovery; driving change through public policy; and reducing addiction stigma to ensure that people who use substances or have a substance use disorder can live healthy and fulfilled lives. Shatterproof operates with three imperatives: base everything on science; help people today while also catalyzing partnerships to improve the healthcare system for future generations; and follow rigorous metrics for maximum impact. Find Shatterproof on Facebook, X and YouTube: @ShatterproofHQ or follow us on Instagram at @weareshatterproof. To learn more, visit www.Shatterproof.org
