About Greg Deshields
Gregory L. DeShields is a nationally respected tourism industry executive, certified hospitality educator, consultant, and nonprofit leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing inclusive workforce development, destination growth, and strategic partnerships across tourism, hospitality, education, and nonprofit sectors.
As Founder and Principal of Greg DeShields Consulting LLC (GDC), Greg provides strategic consulting services focused on workforce development, tourism education, destination engagement, organizational leadership, and industry partnerships. Through GDC, he delivers innovative solutions that connect education, industry, and community impact while helping organizations develop talent pipelines and sustainable growth strategies.
Among GDC’s notable clients and collaborators are the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) and the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University. Through these partnerships, Greg has developed curriculum, facilitated workforce development initiatives, and created industry engagement programs designed to prepare future hospitality and tourism leaders. His work bridges academia and industry by connecting students, educators, and professionals through experiential learning, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
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 tourism, hospitality, destination, and business leaders. Serving his second term as president, he has focused on membership growth, leadership development, sustainability, industry engagement, and strengthening Philadelphia’s role within the global Skål network.
At the international level, Greg DeShields serves on the Skål International Tourism Sustainability Committee, supporting initiatives that advance responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, and sustainable destination practices across the global travel industry. He is also an active participant in Young Skål and Project Future, Skål International’s flagship initiatives that connect hospitality students and emerging professionals with industry leaders through mentorship, education, and career development.
Throughout his career, Greg has led high-profile programs and events that build community, challenge narratives, and transform organizational culture—particularly in areas focused on equity, access, workforce development, and talent cultivation.
Greg also hosts 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.
As a recognized thought leader, Greg has served as a DisruptHR presenter for two consecutive years, sharing innovative perspectives on workforce trends, leadership, and the future of talent development. His presentations challenge traditional workplace thinking while encouraging organizations to embrace emerging generations, evolving career pathways, and inclusive leadership practices.
Greg DeShields 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.
Through his leadership, teaching, consulting, and advocacy, Greg remains committed to building stronger tourism economies, developing future leaders, and creating opportunities that connect education, industry, and community impact.
