I am so pleased for you to get to know this Smarty Dad, Nathan Lanning. I met Nathan a few years ago when my youngest started kindergarten at Dilworth Elementary. I met many great parents in the hallways that year at school, but you start to recognize the ones who are always there. Nathan was one of those parents…always there, always picking up, dropping off, always eating lunch, always volunteering, etc. I soon learned that he was a regular volunteer and on the PTA board. Fast forward a few years to this year when I heard Nathan was our PTA President. I thought it was so great that we had a dad in as PTA president, and I knew he’d be great. It is so could easy to see the devotion Nathan has for our school and the students there. He worked so hard this year to accomplish so much, and we were blessed to have his time and energy. It is wonderful when parents get involved in schools, and in CMS it’s truly needed. Nathan, thank you for setting such a good example to all of us on your involvement and leadership! Parents, if you are not yet involved, start this fall! There is always a place to help. 
Smarty Dad Stats:
Married to: Angela Lanning for 18 years
Children (age): Nathan William Lanning (not a junior) (10 years old)
Hometown: Lexington, NC
Alma Mater: UNC Charlotte
Years lived in Charlotte: 31
Occupation: Once upon a time I was in sales for a process control company and then went part-time for a couple years when Nathan was born. When he turned two years old Angela and I decided that I would be a full time stay at home dad.
Neighborhood: Freedom Park
Favorite things about Charlotte: The weather. I like that we can have a 70 degree day in February and a 50 degree day in May.
You have taken a very active role in your son’s school, Dilworth Elementary, over the last few years. Tells us what prompted this.
As a stay at home dad I had the time to help so I started out as a room parent when Nathan was in kindergarten and also volunteered on a lot of committees.
Was it hard to start volunteering and getting involved?
No. It was very, very easy to get involved.
How did you get involved with the PTA and what made you decide to become the PTA President this past year?
I’m not sure I knew what I was getting into when Nathan was in kindergarten and they needed someone to be the Financial Secretary on the PTA Exec Board but I signed up. Once involved with the functions at school I really want to stay involved so I was the PTA treasurer the next year, then VP of Fundraising, and finally PTA President this past year.
That’s a big job. How did you balance this and all the meetings and commitments?
With an active PTA like we have at Dilworth the position of president is almost like a full time job. It definitely takes a lot of time but there are so many incredible volunteers on each committee that it helps.
I think it is so wonderful that we have so many parents involved in Dilworth Elementary and many other schools in Charlotte. What would you tell any moms & dads thinking about getting more involved?
If there is a committee that interests you, then inquire about it. There is something for almost everyone and there is no experience required.
What has been the most memorable part of being so engaged with Dilworth Elementary?
Seeing my son during the day at school (and keeping an eye on him). Even though he just turned 10 he is not yet too cool to run up and give me a hug (in front of his friends) when we see each other.
Now that your PTA President term has come to an end, what will you do with the extra time you will have?
I will be on the Exec Board next year as “Past President” and will also co-chair the 5th Grade Events Committee. Since my son will be in 5th grade next year I want to be more involved with his grade and his classroom.
Should we expect to see you in the halls much next year?
Maybe not as much as in these past few years but I will be there quit a bit.
Just for fun:
What is your favorite activity to do with your family at home and out & about? We like to watch movies together while at home and now that summer is here it’s pool time and Nathan and I will hit the Whitewater Center a bit over the summer.
Do you have a favorite restaurant or two in Charlotte? Zen Asian Fusion on East Blvd. I could eat there everyday and almost do.
Favorite Hobbies: Music, running, & reading.
Favorite Song: That is an impossible question to answer. I love almost all types of music and at one time (back when I worked full time and before Nathan was born) I DJ’d wedding receptions purely as a hobby and really enjoyed it. Now I get to DJ field day at Dilworth which means way too much pop and top 40.
App you can’t live without: That would be either one of my games (either Backgammon or Trivia Crack) or one of my music apps (djay for mixing music).
Favorite spot to vacation with your family: We first took a Disney Cruise when Nathan was in kindergarten and have now been on five of them and are signed up for another one next year. They really offer activities for every age and are not your typical cruise.
