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 focuses on building sustainable talent pipelines and strengthening collaboration between organizations and academic institutions while supporting long-term workforce readiness and professional development across 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 the development of a sustainable talent pipeline. 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, including the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals and a university hospitality leadership center at Howard University, 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.

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 Credentials

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 and tourism workforce through structured learning and leadership development initiatives that support long-term industry growth.

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