Meet CFIC’s 2025-2026 President Larry Wilson!

Larry Wilson, Senior Vice President of Carlie C’s IGA, will become President of CFIC at the Convention in July. With more than 50 years of hands-on experience in the grocery industry and a legacy of leadership across retail, operations, and merchandising, Larry is uniquely positioned to help guide CFIC at a time of tremendous change, growth, and opportunity.

Larry’s roots in the industry run deep. He began working in his family’s grocery business, Wilsons Supermarkets, at the age of nine. By the time the company was sold to Hannaford in 1994, Wilsons had grown to 22 locations under the guidance of Larry’s father, whom he credits as his greatest influence.

“My father taught me everything I know about this business,” Larry says. “From the front-end to the backroom, he showed me how to lead with integrity, outwork the competition, and stay focused on what the customer wants.”

Over the years, Larry held key roles at Hannaford and Food Lion before joining Carlie C’s IGA in 2012. He served as Vice President and later Senior Vice President, overseeing construction, acquisitions, remodels, and store development.

Larry has been a dedicated member of CFIC since 2012. He served as a director (2016–2021) and as vice president (2022–2025), consistently lending his experience and voice to support the mission. Now semi-retired, Larry looks forward to devoting more time to CFIC in a more visible, hands-on role.

“As President, I hope to be a face for the Council — building relationships with lawmakers and decision-makers, advocating for our industry, and continuing to grow CFIC’s influence,” he says. “We’ve built a strong membership. Now it’s time to build our presence.”

Larry believes the key to a successful grocery business is staying laser-focused on your customers, your strengths, and the unique value you bring to your community. He also sees tremendous opportunity ahead for independent grocers in the Carolinas, thanks to regional growth and a renewed appreciation for local businesses.

“The grocery industry in the Carolinas has one of the largest workforces — and voting blocs — around,” he says. “Our united voice through CFIC gives us the power to be heard where it matters most.”

Outside of the industry, Larry is an active community leader and board member, with service ranging from banking and education to church and civic organizations. He lives in Shallotte, NC, with his wife, Sue, a regional director for USA Baseball. His adult children, twins Madison and Matthew, are in college pursuing careers in psychology and business law, respectively.

Whether he’s grilling out, on a cruise, or mentoring the next generation of grocers, Larry Wilson brings energy, passion, and decades of hard-earned wisdom to everything he does. CFIC is proud to welcome him as its next President.