Explore Seattle Southside’s Cydney Marks-Nicholes Named Among BizBash "40 Under 40"

At just 32 years old, Marks-Nicholes has quickly made an impact in the industry, earning her a spot on BizBash's "40 Under 40" for 2025. This annual award highlights impressive leaders who have made an early mark on the meeting and event industry before their 40th birthday.

In her day-to-day work, Marks-Nicholes' role is dynamic and relationship-driven. She collaborates closely with hotel partners, local venues, tournament directors, and city officials to attract and support sporting events across Seattle Southside. One of her proudest accomplishments to date is the launch of the Seattle Southside Sports Alliance and sports brand. This initiative brought together key stakeholders and positioned the region as a serious contender for hosting sporting events.

“This put us on the map,” Marks-Nicholes told BizBash. "We are investing in sports and want to bring the region's offering to all athletes and sports. In forming a sports brand, we have created an alliance of key stakeholders who share their expertise in sporting events. I would not have the job I have if it weren't for what they do."

Though relatively new to the tourism industry, Marks-Nicholes has earned recognition for the confidence and curiosity she brings to her role, as well as her commitment to expanding access to sports. Her career path reflects a blend of hospitality, marketing, and athletics. After earning her undergraduate degree in hospitality, she began her career at the Anaheim Convention Center as a catering manager before transitioning into sales. Seeking a more creative role, she pursued a master’s degree in marketing in London. Upon returning to the U.S., she reconnected with her athletic roots, coaching a high school rowing team to a national championship. That passion for sports ultimately led her back to Seattle and into her current role—a position she describes as the perfect intersection of her professional experiences.

Her hope for the next year is to expand the Seattle Southside Sports brand and the alliance even more to bring in impactful events for venues, hotels, locals, and visiting teams alike.

About Explore Seattle Southside

Explore Seattle Southside (Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority) has a bold vision to reimagine the way people travel. Established over 25 years ago in 1999, Explore Seattle Southside is the destination marketing organization for the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, Des Moines and beyond. Also known as the curiously wonderful destination for exploring the Pacific Northwest, Explore Seattle Southside showcases the Seattle Southside region with pride and imagination as an ideal travel destination for leisure and business travelers to explore Western Washington and as an idyllic place for meeting and event planners to hold their events. Explore Seattle Southside is funded by a Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) assessment and was recognized three years in a row, 2023-2025—thanks to a commitment to empowering employees and an ambitious vision for the future—as one of Washington State’s Top 100 Best Workplaces.