Greg DeShields is a nationally respected tourism industry executive, certified hospitality educator, consultant, and nonprofit leader with more than 30 years of experience across tourism, hospitality, education, and nonprofit sectors. He is recognized for advancing inclusive workforce development, destination growth, and strategic partnerships that connect academic institutions with industry practice. His work emphasizes building sustainable talent pipelines and strengthening collaboration among organizations and communities while supporting long-term workforce readiness and professional development across the global hospitality ecosystem.

Industry Experience and Leadership Scope

Greg has over three decades of experience in tourism and hospitality leadership, with a focus on workforce development, destination strategy, and organizational partnerships. He has developed programs that align education with industry needs and support sustainable growth in the hospitality sector. His work emphasizes practical solutions, collaboration, and long-term capacity building across tourism organizations and communities. He continues to support initiatives that strengthen industry readiness, professional pathways, and inclusive opportunities within the global hospitality landscape today.

Consulting Practice and Strategic Advisory Work

Acting as Founder and Principal of Greg DeShields Consulting LLC (GDC), DeShields has been providing strategic advisory services focused on workforce development, tourism education, destination engagement, organizational leadership, and industry partnerships. Through this work, he connects education, industry, and community stakeholders while supporting sustainable talent pipeline development. His consulting approach emphasizes collaboration, implementation, and capacity building for tourism and hospitality clients. He also helps organizations improve workforce alignment, strengthen partnerships, and achieve long-term growth strategies across sectors.

Client Partnerships and Workforce Development Initiatives

Gregory L. DeShields has collaborated with national hospitality and meetings organizations, as well as a university-based hospitality leadership center, supporting initiatives that strengthen workforce development and education. Through these partnerships, he has contributed to curriculum development, facilitated training programs, and supported experiential learning opportunities for students and emerging professionals. His work bridges academia and industry, strengthens mentorship structures, and enhances workforce readiness through structured engagement that expands access and opportunity in the hospitality sector.

Skål Philadelphia Leadership and Regional Impact

Greg serves as President of a regional chapter of a global tourism organization, where he provides strategic leadership focused on membership growth, leadership development, sustainability, industry engagement, and regional collaboration. He is serving his second term, reflecting continued organizational commitment and stability. His leadership emphasizes building partnerships among tourism and business professionals while strengthening regional impact within the global network. He continues to support collaborative initiatives that advance industry engagement and professional development opportunities.

Sustainability, Media, and Thought Leadership Engagement

DeShields serves on an international tourism sustainability committee, contributing to initiatives that advance responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, and sustainable destination practices across the global travel industry. He also participates in youth engagement programs that connect students and emerging professionals with industry leaders through mentorship, education, and career development opportunities. In addition, he hosts a podcast focused on leadership and serves as a speaker on workforce trends, promoting inclusive leadership and organizational change globally today.

Education and Professional Development Background

Greg DeShields holds an Associate of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from a leading hospitality university in the United States. He is also a graduate of multiple leadership development programs focused on community engagement, executive leadership, and professional advancement. His academic background and ongoing training reflect a sustained commitment to education, mentorship, and strengthening the hospitality workforce through structured learning and leadership development initiatives.

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Greg DeShields to Continue Leadership as Skål Philadelphia President in 2026

Creating Global Connections: MPG’s New Club and Events Division with Gregory L. DeShields

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"Elevating Voices Through Storytelling" podcast storytelling engages listeners in a unique and immersive way.

Something To Say with Greg DeShields: https://somethingtosaywithgregdeshields.com

To know more about Greg DeShields Consulting LLC, visit: https://business.chambersnj.com/directory/Details/greg-deshields-consulting-llc-3494625

15 HOURS FINDING COMMON GROUND AS BOARD OF ELECTION VOLUNTEERS

Skål Philadelphia Events: Skål Philadelphia is excited to invite you to our April Program: Supporting Our Young Skål Leaders

DisruptHR Talk by Greg DeShields | Rethinking Talent Discovery

DisruptHR continues to be one of the most dynamic global platforms for bold ideas on the future of work, designed to challenge conventional HR thinking through fast-paced, high-impact presentations. The format is energizing: 14 speakers, 5 minutes each, with slides advancing every 15 seconds, all focused on the evolving intersections of talent, culture, leadership, and technology.

How Tourism & Hospitality Business Can Empower the African Diaspora | Gregory L. DeShields Interview