Marriott leader recognized for his commitment to reduce addiction
stigma, support mental health efforts within the hotel industry.
LOS ANGELES – Shatterproof, a national nonprofit
organization dedicated to transforming the way the healthcare system addresses
and treats substance use disorders, will honor Marriott International President
and CEO Anthony Capuano as its 2026 Shatterproof Hospitality Hero on January 27
at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) at the J.W. Marriott at
L.A. Live in Los Angeles.
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, which 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 Shatterproof
CEO Pam Jenkins. “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.”

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.
Anthony Capuano
Since joining Marriott in 1995, Capuano has played a pivotal
role in its steady global growth, including the landmark acquisition of
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in 2016. Under his leadership, Marriott
encompasses more than 30 brands and 9,700 properties across 143 countries and
territories.
“I am deeply honored to receive
the Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award,” Capuano said. “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. 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 2026 Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes reception
will take place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at
the J.W. Marriott at LA Live in Los Angeles.
The Hospitality Heroes Reception was created by Gary
Mendell, a former hotelier who co-founded 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, The BHN Group by Northstar;
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.