Greg Deshields

Executive Director Tourism

Greg DeShields is a nationally respected nonprofit leader whose career spans more than two decades of transformative impact in inclusive workforce development, diversity-driven partnerships, and community-building. His influence extends across tourism, hospitality, and economic development, where he has advanced initiatives that strengthen local businesses, reshape organizational culture, and expand economic opportunities. Guided by the belief that diversity, equity, and inclusion are vital for sustainable growth, he has dedicated his professional life to creating pathways that empower both individuals and communities.

As host of the acclaimed Something to Say podcast, Greg has established a platform where passion meets purpose. Through engaging conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds, he encourages listeners to embrace curiosity, practice empathy, and discover their own voices. Blending wisdom, humor, and storytelling, he fosters genuine connection and shared understanding, making the show more than dialogue; it is a celebration of community and humanity.

Greg’s expertise is firmly grounded in both academic achievement and professional credentials. He earned an A.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management and a B.S. in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. His leadership skills were further refined through programs such as the Urban League of Philadelphia Leadership Forum, Leadership Philadelphia, and the Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange. Professionally, he holds distinguished certifications: Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE), and is a licensed Diamond Inclusiveness Assessment Provider. These accomplishments underscore his lifelong commitment to learning, industry advancement, and excellence.

Over the years, Greg DeShields’s leadership has been recognized with numerous honors. His accolades include Pride Power 100 Most Influential Pennsylvania LGBTQ, BizBash 15 Over 50, ConventionSouth Meeting Professional to Watch 2024, Metro Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Power Players, and the Boy Scouts of America’s Hospitality “Good Scout” Award. He has also been awarded the Camden County Board of Commissioners Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Medal, the Black Meeting and Tourism Apex Award, and the PhocusWire Movers and Shakers Award. In 2025, he continued to earn recognition with nominations such as Metro Philly’s Best Podcast for Something to Say, and acknowledgment as an Exceptional Business Personality by Hoinser and Heidens Magazine.

Greg’s impact extends deeply into civic and community leadership. Residing in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, he serves on boards including Skål Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Award, the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, the Green Book Experience, Cheyney University’s Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management Program, and EBANMAN Inc. His strategic guidance has strengthened partnerships and supported inclusive business practices. Previously, he served as Board President of Skål Philadelphia, the Independence Business Alliance, and the Philadelphia LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, as well as holding leadership roles with COMHAR Inc. and the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

His civic engagement is equally broad, with active involvement in the National Small Business Association, the Society for Human Resource Management, the Institute for Diversity, the Camden County Board of Elections, the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association, the NAACP, and the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey. He also lends his expertise to organizations such as the North Bay LGBTQ+ Community & Visitors Center, the Center City Proprietors Association, the Tourism Academy, and the Philadelphia Award. These affiliations reflect his enduring belief in collective action and connecting networks to drive meaningful change.

Greg’s professional career includes significant leadership roles at Temple University, the Community College of Philadelphia, and Philadelphia OIC. At each institution, he spearheaded programs to support small businesses, strengthen workforce readiness, and deliver industry-focused training, consistently bridging the gap between education and employment. His efforts have empowered individuals to succeed in inclusive and competitive economies.

As a recognized thought leader and public speaker, Greg is frequently called upon to address issues of economic empowerment, diversity, and community engagement. He brings together business leaders, policymakers, and grassroots advocates, reinforcing his mission to expand economic mobility and foster sustainable regional growth. Whether behind the microphone of his podcast or on a national stage, Greg DeShields continues to inspire action, bridge divides, and champion the principle that inclusive growth benefits everyone.

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

Greg DeShields Presents Bridging Academia and Industry in Black Meetings & Tourism

Greg DeShields Re-Elected President of Skål Philadelphia Chapter

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

Greg DeShields on the Career Comeback

Portfolio: gregdeshields.co

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.

👉 Learn more about strategic talent insights from Greg DeShields: https://disrupthr.co/vimeo-video/rethinking-how-we-find-talent-greg-deshields-disrupthr-talks