Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the way the healthcare system addresses and treats substance use disorders, names the 2026 Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes honoree, Anthony Capuano, president and CEO of Marriott International.
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 on Jan. 27. The event raises 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,” Shatterproof CEO Pam Jenkins said in a statement. “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.”
As president and CEO of Marriott International, Capuano presides over the world’s largest hospitality company. Since joining Marriott in 1995, Capuano has played a role in its steady global growth, including the 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. Previously, Capuano served as group president, global development, design and operations services, overseeing strategic brand expansion, Marriott’s global design team and operational standards worldwide. Capuano earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and remains an active member of the Cornell Hotel Society and the Cornell School of Hotel Administration Dean’s Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Business Roundtable and the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s IREFAC Council. He serves on the board of directors for McDonald's Corporation, The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., and Save Venice, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy.
“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 percent of employees in the hotel and food services industry struggle with substance use disorder, and 15 percent 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 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, 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.
The 2026 Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes reception will take place on Jan. 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the J.W. Marriott at LA Live in Los Angeles. Tickets and sponsorships will be available at www.shatterproofalis.org.