60Greg 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. Acting as Founder and Principal of Greg DeShields Consulting LLC (GDC), he leads the consulting practice focused on workforce development, tourism education, destination engagement, organizational leadership, and industry partnerships that connect education, industry, and community impact for sustainable growth and long-term results worldwide.
Greg collaborates with major industry and academic organizations, including national professional associations and university-based hospitality leadership centers. Through these partnerships, he develops curriculum, facilitates workforce development initiatives, and designs structured industry engagement programs supporting hospitality education. His work connects students, educators, and professionals through experiential learning, mentorship, and career development opportunities that strengthen talent pipelines, improve long-term workforce readiness across sectors globally, and support sustainable industry growth and collaboration worldwide.
Gregory L. DeShields serves as President of a global tourism organization, providing strategic leadership within an international network. In his second term, he focuses on membership growth, leadership development, sustainability, and industry engagement while strengthening collaboration among tourism, hospitality, destination, and business leaders. His work advances regional tourism development and organizational impact across multiple stakeholder groups worldwide, supporting long-term economic and community development in destinations globally today, with a continued focus on collaboration and measurable impact.
DeShields contributes at the international level through service on a global tourism sustainability committee, supporting initiatives that promote responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, and sustainable destination practices across the travel industry. He is actively involved in youth- and future-focused programs that connect hospitality students and emerging professionals with industry leaders through mentorship, education, and career development opportunities designed to strengthen future leadership pipelines within global tourism ecosystems across international markets and communities today.
Greg DeShields hosts a leadership-focused podcast series that explores leadership, passion, and purpose through conversations with voices from across industries and lived experiences. He has also served as a speaker at a leadership conference series 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 sectors globally.