Meet Our Director

Desmond Marshall (Executive Director)

Desmond "Dez" Marshall is an accomplished and visionary leader who currently serves as the Executive Director of Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny), 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 Burger King locations across Upstate New York.

Dez later returned to his hometown of Chicago, where he traveled 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. That calling led him to volunteer with a small but impactful nonprofit—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. With unwavering determination and innovative thinking, he continues to break barriers, empower others, and drive lasting change—solidifying his reputation as a dynamic catalyst for social progress.

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

Through his unwavering dedication, Desmond Marshall continues to inspire positive change, embodying the core values of Project H.O.O.D. and working tirelessly to build stronger, safer, and more prosperous communities.

For a deeper insight into Desmond Marshall’s leadership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqQJP6ZLiSo