In 2004, Stephen Morris co-founded and has since helped to build the successful law firm of Howard, Habecker & Morris. A partner at the firm, he specializes in insurance defense, civil litigation, estate planning and torts. Before forming his own Peoria-based firm with his partners, Morris worked in the Peoria office of a major national law firm, and at age 30, became one of the youngest attorneys to be named partner. He is a member of the Peoria County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association and Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel.

In addition to his legal career, Morris has represented more than 10,000 constituents as a member of the Peoria County Board for the last two years. Since his 2009 appointment, Morris has quietly become a true leader on the board, serving on the Management Services, Finance/Legislative Study, Tax/EDC, Peoria Riverfront Museum and Executive committees. One of three board members to represent the county during the development and contract negotiations for the museum project, Morris’ involvement at these critical final stages helped ensure that the project came to fruition and taxpayers’ best interests were protected.

Morris has invested much of his time away from his family, professional and other County Board responsibilities to the Peoria Riverfront Museum initiative. He played a pivotal role in the resolution of infrequent, but seemingly impassable, disagreements, which finally led to breaking ground on a project that will benefit the community for decades to come.

Morris is committed to bettering the community through several other organizations as well. He currently serves on the City/County Landfill Committee, Comprehensive Economic Development Commission and the board of directors of Prairie State Legal Services. He has volunteered with the Cystic Fibrosis Support Association and Easter Seals, is a member of Rotary International, and was awarded the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Leadership Award.

He is a former board member of the Illinois Valley Mental Health Association and the Peoria Public Schools Foundation, and previously served on the Peoria Public Schools District 150 Board of Education. Although no longer a member of the board, Morris continues to focus on strengthening Peoria’s public schools. iBi