Fun Facts

• Walks her two dogs (Meg & Fox) daily
• Enjoys entertaining on her roof top deck
• Has scrapbooked since she was 10 years old

Leslie Sorrell

President

Leslie formed the Magnolia Group, a political consulting and fundraising firm, in 2002 after a winning election cycle as Finance Director for Congressman Jeb Hensarling (TX-5).

While Finance Director for Congressman Hensarling, Leslie increase contributions from $19,000 as of March 30, 2002 to over $1.2 million as of November 30, 2002 by establishing and implementing an innovative and aggressive fundraising strategy.

In the first six months of the firm's creation, the Magnolia Group team raised over one million dollars for its clients. The firm's reputation for its results driven, professional, and ethical approach has allowed the Magnolia Group to successfully meet the goals of clients from local to national levels.

Prior to her work with Congressman Hensarling, she managed Congresswoman Kay Granger's campaign, where she was highly praised for her effective strategy implementation, achievement of fundraising goals, strengthening grassroots campaign, and maintaining positive relationships with Party leaders and constituents.

Before moving to Texas, Leslie worked on Capitol Hill for Agricultural Committee Chairman Larry Combest as well as Congressmen Whitfield and Lewis.

Leslie's background and experience make her uniquely qualified to develop solid political and sound fundraising strategies and execute them. Growing up and working in the family cattle business in Kentucky, Leslie learned first-hand how to manage a successful small business, thriving in a deadline drive and stressful environment, by developing long-term client relationships.

Leslie gives back to her community by volunteering with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Tarrant County, having earned the "Big Sister of the Year" award.  She has also been nominated for the "Heart of Gold" Award in previous years.

 Leslie holds a B.A. in Speech Communication and Business from Samford University, where she was recognized and awarded "Outstanding Thesis".

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Fun Facts

• Loves Louisiana Culture, Cuisine, and Heritage
• Avid Alligator Hunter
• Plans to have a 2nd Line Band play at his wedding and/or funeral

James Carter

Vice President

James joined the Magnolia Group in 2003 as Director of Compliance and Database Management from Congresswoman Kay Granger's campaign where he worked on compliance and grassroots initiatives. During his college years he interned with Congresswoman Kay Granger's campaign and district offices, learning first hand the day to day operations involved with elected officials' duties.

James now serves as Vice President of the Magnolia Group.  He has extensive experience in all aspects of campaigns and brings his niche talents of organizational marketing, accounting, and finance to the firm, as well as a liaison to the FEC/State Ethics Commission.  In addition, James is an excellent manager of campaign volunteers and event staff. 

A graduate from Texas Christian University (TCU) with a BA in Economics and Political Science, James has worked in over three dozen campaigns since his initial job working for Congresswoman Kay Granger's re-election campaign.

A native of Louisiana, James is involved with the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity as they try to provide affordable housing for the area Post-Katrina. He has also served as a volunteer instructor for Presidential Classroom, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that brings high school students from around the country to our nation's capital to learn about  political, military, and economic policies.

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Fun Facts

• Enjoys Classic TV and Movies
• Favorite U.S. Vacationing Spot
  
• is San Diego
• "Boring on Paper, not in Person"

Ashley Hancock-Polino

Communications Director

Ashley joined The Magnolia Group in June 2009 after a prior internship with our firm.  She received a BA in Political Science from Baylor University in 2006 and went on to serve as a grassroots coordinator for U.S. Congressman Duncan D. Hunter's successful bid in San Diego, California. 

A native Texan, Ashley's interest for politics was first piqued at the age of six when she attended a Bush-Quayle rally in Midland, TX with her family during the '88 campaign.

Ashley's responsibilites as Communications Director include streamlining the print process and managing community events and volunteers.

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Meg was rescued nine years ago at the Fort Worth pound and has been grateful to be off the streets ever since.  Meg has embraced the city life of Dallas, becoming quite the urban dog; who enjoys walking to work and dining in the dog-friendly restaurants and playing with friends in the park.                                        

Although a border collie mix, Meg is not a workaholic; but she does thrive when given jobs and responsibilities. Meg is an excellent supervisor and greeter and can usually be found under our desks or greeting visitors at the top of the steps.  If you have heard her barking, then you know the FedEx man has arrived and is delivering campaign contributions!

 When not at work, she enjoys leisurely walks and watching the food network. Meg likes getting fresh veggies and food at the farmers market and hopes to open her own Pizzeria after she retires from her political career.

                              Meg

                                 Office Mascot