About 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 across tourism, hospitality, education, and nonprofit sectors. He is recognized for advancing inclusive workforce development, destination growth, and strategic partnerships that connect education with industry practice. His work emphasizes building sustainable talent pipelines and strengthening collaboration across organizations, communities, and academic institutions while supporting long-term workforce readiness and professional development in the global hospitality ecosystem.

Consulting Leadership

Greg serves as Founder and principal of his consulting practice, Greg DeShields Consulting LLC (GDC), providing strategic services focused on workforce development, tourism education, destination engagement, organizational leadership, and industry partnerships. Through his consulting work, he delivers solutions that connect education, industry, and community stakeholders while supporting sustainable talent pipeline development. His approach emphasizes practical implementation, collaboration, and long-term capacity building for clients across tourism and hospitality sectors, with a focus on sustainable growth strategies and workforce alignment across organizations and communities.

Client Partnerships and Industry Collaboration

DeShields has worked with leading national professional associations focused on meetings and events, as well as a university-based hospitality leadership center, supporting initiatives that strengthen workforce development and hospitality education. Through these collaborations, he has contributed to curriculum development, facilitated training programs, and supported experiential learning opportunities for students and emerging professionals. His work emphasizes mentorship, industry engagement, and the strengthening of connections between academic institutions and employers to improve long-term workforce readiness across the hospitality sector.

Industry Leadership

Gregory L. DeShields serves as President of a regional chapter of a global tourism organization, providing strategic leadership focused on membership growth, leadership development, sustainability, industry engagement, and strengthening regional influence within the global network. He is serving his second term, reflecting continued commitment and organizational stability. His leadership emphasizes collaboration among tourism and hospitality professionals while supporting regional industry advancement through structured engagement, partnerships, and community-building initiatives across the sector, as well as ongoing professional collaboration.

Sustainability and Emerging Talent Engagement

Greg 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 programs that connect hospitality students and emerging professionals with industry leaders through mentorship, education, and career development opportunities. These initiatives emphasize workforce development, leadership cultivation, and global collaboration within tourism and hospitality, supporting the next generation of professionals and strengthening industry sustainability efforts worldwide.

Media and Thought Leadership

DeShields hosts a podcast focused on leadership, purpose, and professional growth, featuring conversations with voices from multiple industries and lived experiences. He also serves as a public speaker and presenter on workforce trends, talent development, and organizational leadership. His engagements emphasize evolving career pathways, inclusive leadership practices, and workforce transformation across modern industries. Through these platforms, he encourages dialogue that challenges traditional workplace thinking and supports continuous professional learning, development, and growth opportunities.

Education and Professional Development

Greg DeShields holds an Associate of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from a well-known 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 and tourism workforce through structured learning and leadership development initiatives.

Skål Washington DC 70th Anniversary & Supplier Diversity Resources

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

More about Greg Deshields:

Inside Bridging Academia and Industry by Greg DeShields for BMT Magazine

Skål Philadelphia Announces Re-Election of Greg DeShields as President

AI in Careers: Shaping the Future of Work and Skills

The Evolution Continues: Reflections from the Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders

The Hoinser Media Group Award Video

Encour Presentation of Checking Inn w/guest Sean Murray and Greg DeShields

Greg DeShields on the Career Comeback

Skål Philadelphia Events: https://skalphiladelphia.com/events

 
Visit Here: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1507211-september-october-2023/0

RE:Talent – “Why Your Talent Lifecycle Needs a Reality Check” (See Attached)

Published Article by The Professional Service Group of Central New Jersey (PSGCNJ) – Navigating the Crossroads 

Alive Podcast: A Prompt That Sparks Two Minds.

"Thank you, Community Nexus, for the invitation to join the 2025 Workforce Development Conference in the Hudson Valley. It was a pleasure to be featured alongside Ary Aranguiz, CPTD, and Kristin Mayo, joining the "Beyond The Hype: How AI Is Reshaping Work & Leadership" session, as we examined how AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s radically transforming business processes, leadership approaches, and career paths. Katiana Decime was an excellent Mistress of Ceremonies, Hamza Khan was a fantastic keynote speaker; the Nelly Goletti Theatre was motivating, thanks to Brandon Gaydorus, and Marist University was the perfect location. https://lnkd.in/gZ_m_DJ5" 

Supplier Diversity and Economic Impact: Driving Business Growth and Community Development