MEET EBIN
Water Leadership You Can Trust
Ebin Lanfried is a husband, father of two, long-time resident of the Olivenhain Municipal Water District, and dedicated community leader committed to protecting our quality of life.
Leveraging a career of experience in the life sciences and engineering, Ebin brings a strong focus on efficiency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public resources. As a resident of a wildfire-prone community, he understands the critical importance of reliable water supplies, resilient infrastructure, and emergency preparedness.
Ebin is committed to transparent leadership, protecting ratepayers, and ensuring the District remains prepared to meet the water challenges of today and tomorrow.
Background
Board of Directors, OMWD
2025 – Present
Serving as a key voice representing my community in regional water policy, focusing on resilient and sustainable local supply, cost containment, and transparent fiscal oversight for ratepayers.
Life Sciences Leader
1994 – PRESENT
Over 32 years leading pharmaceutical, biopharma, and medical device organizations through product approvals and transformative growth with unwavering focus on quality, people, and results.
Volunteer, TECC
2020 - pRESENT
Working hands-on to protect and preserve the natural open spaces and wildlife habitats of San Diego's North County.
Rooted in Our Community, Supported by Staff
Why I Serve
Reliable water service requires experienced leadership, sound financial stewardship, and a commitment to serving the community.
I bring 32 years of private-sector technical, business, and leadership experience to my role as Director of Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Division 1. As a senior executive in the life sciences industry, I oversee complex operations, critical infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and multimillion-dollar budgets. I hold a Bachelor of Science from UC San Diego and an MBA from San Diego State University.
Water quality, reliability, treatment, and conservation have been central to my professional responsibilities for decades. I have designed, operated, and maintained high-purity water and wastewater systems and understand the importance of long-term planning, infrastructure investment, and operational excellence.
My commitment to water reliability extends beyond my career. As an OMWD customer and community volunteer, I have participated in District conservation programs, worked with staff to identify and address water leaks, and supported environmental stewardship through my involvement with The Escondido Creek Conservancy.
When a vacancy opened on the Board of Directors, I applied because I believed my experience could help strengthen the District's governance and strategic decision-making. I was honored to be appointed unanimously from a field of seven qualified applicants.
As a resident of Elfin Forest, I understand the unique needs of Division 1. Our rural communities face challenges that differ from more urbanized areas, including wildfire preparedness, emergency resilience, and responsible stewardship of open space. Division 1 is also unique in that it utilizes every major service provided by OMWD, including potable water, wastewater treatment, recycled water, and the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. I believe this perspective helps me effectively represent the interests of Division 1 ratepayers and residents.
As your Director, I support the dedicated professionals who operate our water system while providing the independent oversight necessary to protect ratepayers and ensure responsible decision-making. I remain committed to maintaining reliable water service, investing responsibly in infrastructure, and safeguarding our community's future.
Reliable Water. Responsible Leadership.
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