Compass 21, Inc. was established in 2004 when we received an unprecedented 10 year contract with two 5 year renewable terms from the City of Shelby, NC, to manage and operate the FBO at the Shelby Municipal Airport.  In the Summer of 2007, the airport was renamed the Shelby-Cleveland County Regional Airport and the management of FBO services at the airport was transferred to the City of Shelby. Compass 21 Aviation is staffed 100% by dedicated Christians, with a passion for reaching the lost.

President and Co-Founder Dr. Paul B. Hounshell, Jr., originally from Albemarle N.C., sold his dentist practice of 18 years when he felt the Lord leading him into aviation and ministry. He and his wife and three children now reside in Shelby, where presently, his duties are split between a new dental practice/ministry and Compass 21.

Co-Founder, John Watt grew up as a missionary kid in Zaire, Africa. He has a strong passion for missionary aviation and serves as General Manager of Compass 21, Inc. and Secretary/Treasurer of Compass Aviation Ministries.

Devon Raisch is also a missionary kid and has lived most of his life in the North Carolina. He has a strong mechanical aptitude and now works for the City of Shelby and serves as the FBO/Airport manager.

Mark Edmonds is now serving as the President of Compass Aviation Ministries. He comes with an extensive military background in aviation maintenance. He also serves as Director of Maintenance for Compass 21, Inc.