Meet Our Executive Director

Desmond "Dez" Marshall

B.S., Hampton University · Broadcast Journalism & Marketing

Desmond "Dez" Marshall is an accomplished and visionary leader who serves as Executive Director of Project H.O.O.D., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved communities through education, economic development, and holistic support services.

A proud graduate of Hampton University, Dez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism and Marketing. His professional journey began at Burger King Corporation in Miami, where he entered the recent college graduate program. His talent and drive quickly propelled him into a leadership role overseeing sales, marketing, and operations for more than 40 locations across Upstate New York.

Dez later returned to his hometown of Chicago, traveling nationwide in a sales role securing advertising partnerships for a small media outlet. After four and a half years in corporate sales, Dez felt a deeper calling to serve his community — and that calling led him to volunteer with Project H.O.O.D., where he discovered his true purpose.

Since joining Project H.O.O.D., Dez has transformed the organization from a grassroots initiative into a thriving enterprise. Under his leadership, the team has grown from just three employees to over 83 staff members across multiple divisions. He successfully led a capital campaign that raised more than $44 million in financial and in-kind donations in just two years.

Dez's strategic mindset, dedication to community impact, and talent for building powerful partnerships have helped Project H.O.O.D. touch the lives of over 15,000 individuals annually throughout the Chicagoland area.

Desmond is married to his lovely wife, Skye D. Marshall, and together they have two children: a daughter, Sunni, and a son, Desmond II.