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. Working 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. 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, improve long-term workforce readiness across sectors globally, and support sustainable industry growth.

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, and industry engagement while strengthening collaboration among tourism, hospitality, destination, and business leaders. His work advances regional tourism development and organizational impact for multiple stakeholder groups worldwide, supporting long-term economic and community development in destinations globally today through continued collaboration and industry engagement within global networks.

Gregory L. 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, connecting 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 and drive long-term industry impact worldwide.

Here is a recently released article [https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1539265-september-october-2025/26?], a podcast program “Alive Prompt” program [https://www.youtube.com/live/gJLbD_zQPOk] a group shot attending Skal Washington DC 70th Anniversary:

As a proud member of Skål Philadelphia (joined by chapter President Mariska K. Bogle and board member Devon Johnston) – Congratulations Skål International Greater Washington, D.C. celebrating your 70th Anniversary and delicious Lobster Fest and Fundraiser. The venue was amazing at Columbia Island Marina George Washington Memorial Pkwy in Arlington, Virginia. It was great to spend time with Skål International Official Vice President 2025 & President Elect 2026 Andres Omar Hayes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yzpHU0mVes

Supplier Diversity Business Rationale
https://youtu.be/cG9SjLQ2syc

Supplier Diversity Direct and Indirect Economic Benefits
https://youtu.be/LFllCUnl1v4

Supplier Diversity Job Creation and Community Development
https://youtu.be/R3LHJLLKAtc

Supplier Diversity Words Banned or Flagged by Federal Agencies
https://youtu.be/zOds9LahVxM

Supplier Diversity Future Trends and Opportunities
https://youtu.be/KdIxjNCxSXk

https://vocal.media/interview/ai-in-careers-shaping-the-future-of-work-and-skills

https://vocal.media/education/the-evolution-continues-reflections-from-the-next-generation-of-hospitality-leaders