DeShields most recently served as the Managing Director of Business Development for Temple University Fox School of Business & School of Tourism and Hospitality Management. He is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, with an A.S. Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management and B.S. Degree in Hospitality Management.“As a native Philadelphian, I am thrilled and honored to represent Philadelphia in my new role as Executive Director for the Multicultural Affairs Congress,” said DeShields. “MAC will continue to develop new and innovative strategies to drive multicultural convention business to the city of Philadelphia, and further promote our City as a desired multicultural destination.”

“MAC's focus on diversity and celebrating the multicultural fabric that makes Philadelphia such a strong global leader is what differentiates us from other cities,” said Jack Ferguson, President and CEO of the PHLCVB. “Thus, Greg's role is key in communicating this message far and wide, and further increasing our imprint in the multicultural meeting and convention marketplace.”

“Having worked alongside Greg on the MAC Board for over a decade, I have experienced firsthand his superior leadership skills, knowledge of the hospitality industry, expertise in multicultural markets, and innovative approach to getting goals accomplished,” said William Wilson, Chairman of the MAC Board. “I look forward to continuing to work with Greg in his new role.”

DeShields is also an American Hotel Lodging Association certified hospitality educator and Asian American Hotel Owners Association certified hotel owner. He has received numerous awards and honors from organizations including the Philadelphia Business Journal, Temple University, and Black Meetings and Tourism Magazine.

In addition to serving on the MAC board for over a decade, DeShields has held board membership and committee chair positions for groups such as the Multicultural Diversity Advisory Council, Center City District, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and SKAL Philadelphia. DeShields has also maintained active membership with various organizations including the Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Educators; National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators, and Developers; and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on MAC, visit www.PHLDiversity.com.

The Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress (MAC), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, was formed in 1987 as the first multicultural division of a Convention & Visitors Bureau in the nation. MAC maximizes opportunities for the region by promoting Philadelphia as an ethnically diverse visitor destination, encouraging multicultural business and social responsibility that contributes to and benefits from the varying multicultural communities that enhance our region's hospitality and tourism industry. For more information, log on towww.phldiversity.com