Deslea holds the following qualifications:

• Master of Business Administration
• Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management
• Diploma of Project Management
• Certified Practicing Project Manager
• Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Deslea is a member of the following professional organisations:

• Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Australian Institute of Project Management
• Business Continuity Institute (Associate)
• ISACA

Deslea has also undertaken short courses and units in the following subject areas:

• Economics
• Technology and software development
• Administering contracts
• Superannuation administration
• International development
• Tendering, contracting, and outsourcing
• Risk and insurance management
• Fraud control
• Business continuity
• Intellectual property management