Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the way the healthcare system addresses and treats substance use disorders, will be honoring Anthony Capuano, president/CEO, Marriott International, as its 2026 Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes honoree.
Capuano is being recognized for his leadership, advocacy and compassion in raising awareness of substance use disorders and in supporting efforts to end addiction stigma across the hospitality industry. He will be honored at the ninth annual Hospitality Heroes Reception, held during the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the JW Marriott at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. The event raises vital funds to support Shatterproof’s mission to transform addiction treatment, strengthen prevention efforts, and eliminate stigma nationwide.
“Tony’s leadership reflects the best of the hospitality industry—compassion, inclusion and a commitment to improving lives,” said Pam Jenkins, CEO, Shatterproof. “His advocacy helps create a culture where employees and families affected by addiction feel supported and understood. We’re honored to recognize him as a true Hospitality Hero.”
Capuano said he is “deeply honored” to receive the award. “More than the recognition, I am grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside so many leaders in our industry to support the life-changing work Shatterproof is doing,” he said. “Addiction affects every community, every family and every workplace. In fact, 17% of employees in the hotel and food services industry struggle with substance use disorder, and 15% face serious alcohol-related problems. At Marriott, we believe in showing up for our people and our guests with empathy, dignity and care. That’s why we are proud to partner with Shatterproof to help end the stigma of addiction and expand access to resources that save lives. This award is a reflection of our collective commitment to making a difference.”
The Hospitality Heroes Reception was created by Gary Mendell, a former hotelier who cofounded and chaired HEI Hotels & Resorts before launching Shatterproof in memory of his son, Brian, who lost his life to addiction in 2011. Determined to spare other families the same heartbreak, Mendell founded Shatterproof to drive systemic change in addiction prevention, treatment and recovery.
Now in its ninth year, the Hospitality Heroes Reception has raised more than $5 million and engaged over 100 hotel companies and 500 industry leaders in support of Shatterproof’s work. Each year, the event celebrates a hospitality executive whose leadership advances awareness, compassion and change within the industry.
The 2026 Hospitality Heroes Committee includes Mike Barnello, Badlands Hotel Capital; Jeff Higley, Burba Hotel Network; Paul Whetsell, CapStar Hotel Company; Ted Darnall, Clark Hanrattie, Anthony Rutledge and Greg Mendell, HEI Hotels & Resorts; Chris Nassetta, Hilton; Dan Lesser, LW Hospitality Advisors; Bill Reynolds, Marcus Hotels; Anthony Capuano, Marriott International; Joel Eisemann, Noble Investment Group; Mark Woodworth, RM Woodworth Hospitality Advisors; Robert Alter, Seaview Investors; Stacy Silver, Silver Hospitality Group; Pam Jenkins and 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.
Congratulations Anthony and a heartfelt thank you to the hospitality leaders that are committed to the recovery community. Having decades of personal recovery, it’s admirable to see communities come together to end the stigma of addiction. I can only hope that more come out of the shadows of alcoholism and drug addiction knowing that there is now a myriad of industries that support recovery. I am proud to be part of one of them.