Shatterproof honored Anthony Capuano, president/CEO, Marriott International, with the 2026 Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award during the Ninth Annual Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes Reception, held in conjunction with ALIS in Los Ang Angeles. Under Capuano’s leadership, 75 hospitality companies rallied to raise $2.1 million—an all-time-high figure—to advance Shatterproof’s mission as a national nonprofit organization transforming how the healthcare system addresses and treats substance use disorder.
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.
Shatterproof was founded in 2012 by Gary Mendell, cofounder of HEI Hotels & Resorts, 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, The BHN Group, a division of Northstar Travel Group, and the panelists included Pam Jenkins, CEO, Shatterproof; Leeny Oberg, CFO & EVP, development Marriott International; Geoff Ballotti, president/CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; and Mendell.
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 more than 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 Jenkins. “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.”
