Shatterproof Names Public Affairs and Health Leader Pam Jenkins as New CEO

Founder Gary Mendell to Transition to Chairperson Emeritus

NEW YORK, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 2012 following the loss of his son Brian to substance use. Mendell will remain deeply involved in the organization as Chairperson Emeritus and member of the Executive Committee.

After a rigorous, 6-month national search led by executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates, Jenkins emerged as the unanimous choice of Shatterproof's Search Working Group and Board of Directors.

Jenkins, a nationally recognized leader in public health, public affairs and communications, 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 practice. Jenkins leaves The Weber Shandwick Collective after a 21-year tenure. 

As a longtime advisor and Shatterproof board member since 2021, Jenkins brings a values-driven leadership style focused on innovation, belonging and bold action.

"This transition marks a new chapter for Shatterproof," said Mendell. "Pam's deep expertise in public health, passion for health equity and strategic insight make her the right leader for our next phase of impact. As a key advisor to Shatterproof over the years, I've come to count on her experience, creativity and innovative thinking to achieve health outcomes and help position Shatterproof for maximum impact. 

"I am so honored to have the opportunity to take on the biggest public health challenge of our time; and doing so as head of the leading health advocacy organization in mental health and addiction in the country," said Jenkins. "Shatterproof is a powerful force for change, and I look forward to building on Gary Mendell's legacy and partnering with our fabulous Board and staff to prevent substance use disorder, improve access to care, fight stigma and save lives."

"With more than 100,000 people dying of overdoses every year, many of them young adults, 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.

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 addiction treatment; educating the public on addiction prevention, treatment and recovery; driving change through public policy initiatives; and reducing addiction stigma to ensure that people who use substances or have a substance use disorder can live healthy and fulfilled lives. Find Shatterproof on Facebook, X and YouTube: @ShatterproofHQ or follow them on Instagram at @weareshatterproof. To learn more, visit www.Shatterproof.org.

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SOURCE Shatterproof