Greg Deshields
Founder and Principal of Greg DeShields Consulting in Cherry Hill, NJ
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. As the Founder and Principal of Greg DeShields Consulting LLC (GDC), he leads the firm, providing strategic advisory services focused on workforce development, tourism education, destination engagement, organizational leadership, and industry partnerships that connect education, industry, and community impact to drive sustainable growth across sectors globally.
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 that support 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 the global tourism and hospitality sectors.
Gregory L. DeShields serves as President of Skål Philadelphia, where he provides strategic leadership to a prominent 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 emphasizes collaboration among tourism, hospitality, destination, and business leaders while advancing initiatives that support regional tourism development and organizational impact within the broader industry community, spanning multiple stakeholder groups globally.
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, flagship initiatives that connect hospitality students and emerging professionals with industry leaders through mentorship, education, and career development programs designed to strengthen future leadership pipelines in tourism across global networks.
Greg DeShields hosts Something to Say, a podcast series where he explores leadership, purpose, and personal growth through conversations with voices from 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 degrees in hospitality management and participation in distinguished leadership programs that support professional growth and community engagement across education and industry globally.
Gregory L. DeShields, CHE, CDE’s Post:
Skål International Philadelphia Re-Elects Greg DeShields as President
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gregdeshields_activity-7229906967450861568-DtSu/
Greg DeShields Global Director of Club and Events
Creating Global Connections: MPG’s New Club and Events Division with Gregory L. DeShields
Something To Say with Greg DeShields
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