About Greg Deshields
Greg DeShields is a nationally respected tourism industry executive, certified hospitality educator, and nonprofit leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing inclusive workforce development, destination growth, and strategic partnerships across the tourism, hospitality, education, and nonprofit sectors. He is a visionary leader known for aligning economic impact with community-centered outcomes and for building initiatives that strengthen local and regional tourism ecosystems.
Greg currently serves as President of Skål Philadelphia, providing strategic leadership to one of the region’s premier global tourism organizations while fostering collaboration among industry executives, destinations, and emerging leaders. Throughout his career, he has led high-profile programs and events that build community, challenge narratives, and transform organizational culture—particularly in spaces focused on equity, access, and talent development.
Through Greg DeShields Consulting LLC (GDC), Greg brings a comprehensive, systems-based approach to tourism and hospitality consulting. Drawing on deep expertise in hospitality operations, destination marketing, higher education, and workforce development, GDC partners with organizations to develop talent pipelines, strengthen industry engagement, and create sustainable strategies that support long-term growth and inclusion within the tourism economy.
GDC is actively engaged with leading tourism and hospitality organizations, including Skål International, the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, Meeting Professionals International, the Professional Convention Management Association, ASTA, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Greg also collaborates with AHLEI, AAHOA, TOPC, PRSA, SHRM, and local, regional, and national chambers of commerce—leveraging these relationships to connect education, industry, and community impact.
Greg is also the host of the Something to Say with Greg DeShields podcast, a platform dedicated to exploring passion, purpose, and leadership through authentic conversation. The podcast brings together voices from across industries and lived experiences, encouraging curiosity, empathy, and self-discovery while empowering listeners to find and use their own voice.
Greg holds an Associate of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. He is a graduate of several distinguished leadership programs, including the Urban League of Philadelphia Leadership Forum, Leadership Philadelphia, and the Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange.
