Gregory L. DeShields is a nationally respected tourismindustry executive, certified hospitality educator, consultant, and nonprofitleader with more than 30 years of experience advancing inclusive workforcedevelopment, destination growth, and strategic partnerships across tourism,hospitality, education, and nonprofit sectors.
As Founder and Principal of Greg DeShields ConsultingLLC (GDC), Greg provides strategic consulting services focused on workforcedevelopment, tourism education, destination engagement, organizationalleadership, and industry partnerships. Through GDC, he delivers innovativesolutions that connect education, industry, and community impact while helpingorganizations develop talent pipelines and sustainable growth strategies.
Among GDC's notable clients and collaborators are theNational Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) and theMarriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University. Hiswork bridges academia and industry by connecting students, educators, andprofessionals through experiential learning, mentorship, and career developmentopportunities.
Greg currently serves as President of SkålPhiladelphia, providing strategic leadership to one of the region’s premierglobal tourism organizations while fostering collaboration among tourism,hospitality, destination, and business leaders. Serving his second term aspresident, he has focused on membership growth, leadership development,sustainability, industry engagement, and strengthening Philadelphia’s rolewithin the global Skål network.
Throughout his career, Greg has led high-profileprograms and events that build community, challenge narratives, and transformorganizational culture—particularly in areas focused on equity, access,workforce development, and talent cultivation.
As a recognized thought leader, Greg has served as aDisruptHR presenter for two consecutive years, sharing innovative perspectiveson workforce trends, leadership, and the future of talent development. Hispresentations challenge traditional workplace thinking while encouragingorganizations to embrace emerging generations, evolving career pathways, andinclusive leadership practices.
Greg holds an Associate of Science in Hotel andRestaurant Management and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management fromJohnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. He is a graduate ofseveral distinguished leadership programs, including the Urban League ofPhiladelphia Leadership Forum, Leadership Philadelphia, and the GreaterPhiladelphia Leadership Exchange.
Through his leadership, teaching, consulting, andadvocacy, Greg remains committed to building stronger tourism economies,developing future leaders, and creating opportunities that connect education,industry, and community impact.
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