Gregory DeShields

About Gregory DeShields

Gregory DeShields is a well-known tourism and hospitality professional who is passionate about his work. His unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of hospitality leaders as an adjunct professor is a source of inspiration and a testament to his commitment to the industry. He is a versatile leader with extensive experience across academia, non-profit, corporate, and government sectors.

Greg's expertise is in tourism and hospitality, where he strongly focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. His dedication to workforce development and client relationships is underpinned by his systematic evaluation of current practices and his ability to foster a culture of excellence and collaboration, which is vital for growth and success.

He is certified as a Diversity Executive (CDE) by the Society of Diversity, a Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) by the American Hotel & Lodging Association Educational Institute, and a licensed Diamond Inclusiveness Assessment Provider by CultureBrokers® LLC.

Greg has completed a certificate in Ethical and Inclusive Leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. Also, a Professional Development Leadership Graduate of the Institute for Diversity Certification, Urban League of Philadelphia, Leadership Forum, Leadership Philadelphia, and Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange.

Greg has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, a testament to his professional excellence. These include the 2023 ConventionSouth Meeting Professional to Watch in 2024, 2023 Metro Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Power Players, 2023 Pride Power 100 Most Influential Pennsylvania LGBTQ, 2022 Boy Scouts of America the Hospitality "Good Scout" Award, 2022 Black Meeting and Tourism Apex Award, 2022 Camden County Board of Commissioners Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Medal, and 2022 PhocusWire Movers and Shakers. These accolades underscore his exceptional contributions to the industry.

Greg is a frequent keynote speaker, moderator, and session facilitator presenter on organizational assessment, planning, strategies, and implementation. He reinforces the need for organizations to lead inclusion from the top.