Greg Deshields

Greg 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. In his role as Founder and Principal of Greg DeShields Consulting LLC (GDC), he leads the consulting practice focused on workforce development, tourism education, destination engagement, organizational leadership, and industry partnerships that connect education, industry, and community impact for sustainable growth and long-term results worldwide. Greg collaborates with major industry and academic organizations, including the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals and the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University. Through these partnerships, he develops curriculum, facilitates workforce development initiatives, and designs structured industry engagement programs supporting hospitality education. His work connects students, educators, and professionals through experiential learning, mentorship, and career development opportunities that strengthen talent pipelines and improve long-term workforce readiness across sectors and industries globally. Gregory L. DeShields serves as President of Skål Philadelphia, providing strategic leadership within a global tourism organization. In his second term, he focuses on membership growth, leadership development, sustainability, industry engagement, and strengthening the organization’s role within the global Skål network. His leadership fosters collaboration among tourism, hospitality, destination, and business leaders while advancing initiatives that support regional tourism development and broader industry impact across multiple stakeholder groups, both internationally and beyond the global tourism ecosystem today. DeShields contributes at the international level through service on the Skål International Tourism Sustainability Committee, supporting initiatives that promote responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, and sustainable destination practices across the global travel industry. He is actively involved in Young Skål and Project Future, which connect hospitality students and emerging professionals with industry leaders through mentorship, education, and career development opportunities designed to strengthen future leadership pipelines within global tourism ecosystems. Greg DeShields hosts the Something to Say podcast series, where he explores leadership, passion, and purpose through conversations with voices across industries and lived experiences. He has also served as a DisruptHR presenter for two consecutive years, sharing insights on workforce trends, leadership, and talent development. His academic background includes hospitality management degrees and participation in distinguished leadership programs that support professional growth and community engagement across education and industry sectors globally, and in practice today.