About Greg Deshields
Greg DeShields is a respected nonprofit visionary with over 20 years of experience driving national impact through inclusive workforce development programs, diversity-centered strategic partnerships, and high-profile events that build community, shift narratives, and transform organizational culture across sectors such as tourism and hospitality. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing economic initiatives and strengthening local business ecosystems.
Greg hosts the popular “Something to Say” podcast, providing an engaging platform for exploring the pursuit of passion with purpose. On Something to Say, Greg not only exchanges conversation, wisdom, and friendship with individuals from a wide spectrum of experiences, but also works to spark curiosity, cultivate empathy, and empower listeners to discover their own unique passion and voice.
Greg earned both an A.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management and a B.S. in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. He is also a graduate of several leadership programs, including the Urban League of Philadelphia Leadership Forum, Leadership Philadelphia, and the Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange.
He holds multiple industry certifications: Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) from the Society for Diversity, Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) from the American Hotel & Lodging Association Educational Institute, and is a licensed Diamond Inclusiveness Assessment Provider from CultureBrokers® LLC.
Greg has been honored with numerous professional accolades throughout his career, including Pride Power 100 Most Influential Pennsylvania LGBTQ, BizBash 15 Over 50, Convention South Meeting Professional to Watch 2024, Metro Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Power Players, and the Boy Scouts of America’s Hospitality “Good Scout” Award. Greg is a recipient of the 2022 Camden County Board of Commissioners Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Medal, as well as the Black Meeting and Tourism Apex Award and the PhocusWire Movers and Shakers Award.
Based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Greg serves on the boards of several prominent organizations, including Skål Philadelphia, Philadelphia Award, Greater Philadelphia Film Office, the Green Book Experience, Cheyney University’s Hotel, Restaurant, & Tourism Management Program (HRTM), and EBANMAN Inc., His guidance has helped these organizations forge strategic alliances, advocate for inclusive business policies, and empower underrepresented business owners and professionals.
He is also an active member of numerous civic and professional associations, such as the National Small Business Association, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the Institute for Diversity, the Camden County Board of Elections, the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association (CHAACA), the NAACP, and the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey.
Throughout his career, Greg has worked at the intersection of economic development and workforce advancement, holding leadership roles at Temple University, the Community College of Philadelphia, and Philadelphia OIC. In these positions, he has led initiatives that support small businesses, enhance career readiness, and deliver industry-specific workforce training to foster a competitive, inclusive economy.
A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Greg frequently addresses topics such as economic empowerment, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement. His ability to unite business leaders, policymakers, and grassroots stakeholders continues to fuel economic mobility and sustainable regional growth.
Professional Accomplishments
During his illustrious career, Gregory has been bestowed with numerous accolades such as, 2025 Metro Philly’s Best Podcast Nomination Something To Say, 2025 Hoinser and Heidens Magazine Exceptional Business Personality, the ConventionSouth Meeting Professional to Watch 2024, BizBash 15 Over 50, Metro Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Power Players, Pride Power 100 Most Influential Pennsylvania LGBTQ, and Boy Scouts of America’s Hospitality “Good Scout” Award. He was recognized with the esteemed Camden County Board of Commissioners Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Medal. His efforts also led him to receive the Black Meeting and Tourism Apex Award and PhocusWire Movers and Shakers for his exemplary contributions to the industry.
Professional Affiliations
Alongside his full-time role, Gregory has actively served on numerous professional platforms. He held the positions of Board President at Skål Philadelphia, Independence Business Alliance, and Philadelphia LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, Board Secretary at COMHAR Inc., and Board Parliamentarian at Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Currently, he serves on the board of North Bay LGBTQ+ Community & Visitors Center, EBANMAN Inc., Greater Philadelphia Film Office, Center City Proprietors Association, The Tourism Academy, and Philadelphia Award.
Gregory holds professional certifications such as Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) from Institute of Diversity, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Certification, Global Compliance Network Certification, Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) from the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Educational Institute, and Certified Hotel Owner (CHO) from the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. His deep-seated passion for hospitality and tourism reflects his commitment to the industry and to the next generation of hospitality leaders.
