Leadership

Robert A. Wicker, Greensboro, NC, was appointed the Chairman of the North Carolina State Ports Authority Board of Directors in May 2018 by Governor Roy Cooper for a six year term.

Mr. Wicker retired as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary for General Parts International, Inc., an international importer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories which was acquired by Advance Auto Parts. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Associate Corporate Secretary for Burlington Industries, Inc., an international manufacturer of textile products. Mr. Wicker also has over 20 years experience as a litigation attorney with NC law firms. He served as a Captain, US Army, Judge Advocate General Corps. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in ground operations against hostile forces (1st Oak Leaf Cluster) and Army Commendation Medal.

Mr. Wicker is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC Law School. He received an Executive Education Diploma from the UNC Kenan-Flager Business School. Mr. Wicker is a past President of the North Carolina State Bar and the UNC Law Alumni Association, and served on the UNC Board of Visitors. He has been awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.