Meet the Principals


Michael A. Norton

President & General Manager

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina. Master’s degree in Business Administration from East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina.

Professional Engineering Registration: NC, SC

Michael co-founded Compass Pointe Engineering and has served as General Manager since its inception in 2004. In the 13 prior years he served in a number of professional capacities, gaining experience in the Aerospace Industry in Texas and also with an American Multi-National Conglomerate Corporation in North Carolina. His career experiences expanded further within the Electric Utility Industry as he served in additional engineering, environmental and management roles. During his entire career Michael has worked with local, state, and federal entities to help ensure compliance in all activities, while also participating in opportunities to manage positive change in regulatory guidance.



Donald M. Covil

Vice-President & Chief Engineer

Education: Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree
from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Professional Engineering Registration: NC, SC

Don joined Compass Pointe Engineering in 2006. During the prior 29 years he provided professional engineering services while working for a number of consulting firms in North Carolina.  He has extensive experience in both the private and public sectors.  Don has been involved in hundreds of engineering projects during his professional career, many of which were directly related to water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. He is intimately familiar with the planning, design, and permitting needs of such activities.


In addition to mandating the Firm’s adherence to the Creed for Professional Engineers, the Principals of Compass Pointe have adopted the following Statement of Corporate Intent to communicate their mission of service:

“We exist to seek and serve God’s Will in planning the use of His Earth’s finite resources for the welfare of society and desire to have positive interactions with all who contact Compass Pointe Engineering.”