Stephen S. Morrill

Glenview, Illinois

Mr. Morrill has more than 30 combined years of experience as a lawyer, lobbyist and government official. As a lawyer, Morrill has practiced before virtually every Illinois agency and executive branch office, as well as in the state and federal courts.  As a lobbyist, Morrill has represented hundreds of clients before the Illinois General Assembly; Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules; City of Chicago; Cook County Board; United States Congress; and other units of state, federal and local government. His previous governmental experience includes service as Parliamentarian and Chief Legal Counsel for the Illinois Senate, Commissioner of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, Special Assistant Attorney General, Special Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, and Special Counsel to the Cook County Board.

Education

Mr. Morrill graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Economics, and from the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law with a J.D. cum laude, where he was an editor of the Northwestern University Law Review.  Morrill regularly speaks before professional trade associations, affording attendees with continuing education credits for their professional licenses.  He is a product of the Chicago Public Schools and Loyola Academy in Wilmette.

Previous Experience

Mr. Morrill’s governmental experience includes:

• One year of service, between college and law school, as a Governor’s Fellow in Springfield, working in the budget, policy and legislative areas of the Office of the Governor;
• Parliamentarian of the Illinois Senate, Chief Legal Counsel for the Senate majority staff, and to the Senate Judiciary Committee majority caucus staff;
• Commissioner of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, the agency that adjudicates anti-discrimination claims with respect to employment, housing, education and public accommodations;
• Special Assistant Attorney General, Special Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, and Special Counsel to the Cook County Board;
• Counsel to the State Employees’ Retirement System and the Board of Trustees of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois; and
• Contract lobbyist for numerous public entities, including the Cook County Board, Regional Transportation Authority, Chicago Board of Elections, Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, Teachers’ Retirement System, City of Joliet, Village of Glenview, Village of Vernon Hills, Village of Tinley Park, Wheaton Sanitary District, and other units of local government.

Before founding Morrill & Associates and its successor, Morrill & Fielder LLC, Mr. Morrill practiced for six years in the governmental, administrative law and litigation departments of the Chicago law firm Winston & Strawn.  During law school, he was a summer associate for Sidley & Austin and Winston & Strawn.

Publications, Honors and Service

Morrill has published articles in such publications as the Northwestern University Law Review, DePaul University Law Review and Illinois Bar Journal, as well as magazines such as Chicago Southland Business, Chicago Office, Midwest Independent Retailers Association Bottom Line, and Illinois Cemetery and Funeral Home Association Newsette.
 
Mr. Morrill has also served on transition teams and advisory boards of state constitutional officers, on the boards of charities, and as a member of numerous legal and civic organizations. 
 
Mr. Morrill has been recognized by his peers in the Illinois legal community as a “Leading Lawyer” in his field, a designation maintained by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company, and is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association.

Curt A. Fiedler

Tinley Park, Illinois

Mr. Fiedler has more than 25 years of combined experience in Illinois state government and state and local government relations work, and has developed strong relationships with members and staff in all four legislative caucuses, throughout the executive branch of Illinois state government, and with local elected officials throughout Illinois.  With an encyclopedic knowledge of Illinois state and local government, Fiedler oversees the legislative monitoring, communication, research, and client reporting processes for the firm.  He previously served in senior roles on the staff of the Illinois House of Representatives and in local government. 

Education

Mr. Fiedler graduated cum laude from Olivet Nazarene University in 2000, earning a B.A. in Political Science.  Upon graduation, Mr. Fiedler was accepted into the Legislative Internship Program (ILSIP) at the University of Illinois Springfield to study Public Affairs Administration and serve as a Research Analyst for the Illinois House Republican Research Staff.

Previous Experience

In addition to his work for a host of local governments, including Cook County and various municipalities, Mr. Fiedler served five years as a Senior Research Analyst for the Illinois House Republican Research Staff under House Minority Leader Tom Cross, concentrating on state finances, economic development, gaming, and taxation issues.  In that role, he earned the respect of members from both sides of the aisle and developed relationships with a great many people who have gone onto significant roles in Illinois state government.

Publications, Honors and Service

Mr. Fiedler has published articles in multiple trade publications, including The Elevator Speech blog of BOMA/Chicago and Bottom Line magazine for the Midwest Independent Retailers Association.

Mr. Fiedler has served as chairman and member of the Economic & Commercial Commission and the Planning Commission for the Village of Tinley Park.  During his tenure, Fiedler was featured by the Chicago Tribune for his effort to establish express train service to Tinley Park along the Rock Island line.

Mr. Fiedler is an Assistant Football Coach at Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights, Illinois.  He also serves as an elder at Southbridge Church in Orland Park, Illinois.

Hannah Browning

Ms. Browning serves as Office Manager and Government Relations Assistant for Morrill & Fiedler.  Among other duties, she oversees the lobbyist registration and disclosure program for the firm and its clients, participates in legislative monitoring and client reporting programs, and assists with lobbying members of the General Assembly.  Formerly a Deputy Marshal for the Illinois Supreme Court and Committee Clerk with the Illinois House of Representatives, Ms. Browning has a strong knowledge of the legislative process and enjoys strong relationships with many members of the Illinois General Assembly and legislative staff.

Education

Ms. Browning earned a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology cum laude from the University of Illinois Springfield, where she completed the Capitol Scholars Honor Program. Browning is a product of Pittsfield High School.

Previous Experience

Prior to joining Morrill & Fiedler in 2017, Browning served as a Deputy Marshal for the Illinois Supreme Court, where she regularly interacted with judicial officials and staff as well as local, state and federal law enforcement officials. She additionally served in the Supreme Court Clerk’s office, managing intra-court communication and coordinating various ceremonies and procedures.

Browning previously worked as a Committee Clerk and Transcript Editor at the Clerk’s Office for the Illinois House of Representatives.

Publications, Honors and Service

Browning has served as editor of the ICFHA Newsette and has co-authored numerous articles that have appeared in publications of various trade association clients of the firm.

Jonathan Peebles

Sherman, Illinois

Mr. Peebles joined M&F in 2025 after serving as Senior Policy and Budget Analyst for Illinois Senate President Don Harmon.

Education

Mr. Peebles is a graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a degree in Accounting & Finance.  He is a product of Pittsfield High School. 

Previous Experience

Peebles brings more than 5 years of real time experience working in state government, having spent multiple years as lead drafter of the Budget Implementation Bill (BIMP) and serving as lead staffer for Senate State Government and Pension Committees.  He was instrumental in writing complex pension policy and providing feedback to Senators on policy decisions.  Prior to his time on legislative staff, Mr. Peebles worked as an accountant in both tax and auditing roles.  His wide range of knowledge in budgeting along with the relationships made from his time on staff bring a new dynamic to Morrill & Fiedler.  He additionally holds the title of Director of Government Relations for the United Counties Council of Illinois (UCCI) where he works with county officials to provide educational seminars and other training activities for its membership. Mr. Peebles advocates on behalf of UCCI in front of the General Assembly.

Gary Hannig

Litchfield, Illinois

Mr. Hannig is a government relations and fiscal/transportation policy professional working exclusively with Morrill & Fiedler. A Certified Public Accountant and former state legislator, he played a critical role in the development of every state budget and state capital program over three decades. Formerly a Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation, Deputy Majority Leader of the Illinois House of Representatives, and Legislative Affairs Director for the Governor of Illinois, Hannig brings a wealth of Illinois public sector experience, relationships, and institutional knowledge to his work.

Education

Mr. Hannig graduated with honors from the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana, with a B.A. in Accounting. He is a product of Mount Olive High School.

Previous Experience

In his distinguished governmental career, he has held the positions of:

• Director, Legislative Affairs for Gov. Pat Quinn (2012–2014)
• Secretary, Illinois Department of Transportation (2009–2011)
• Illinois State Representative, 98th District (1979–2009)
• Deputy Majority Leader (2005–2009)

As a senior member of Governor Quinn’s leadership team, Mr. Hannig negotiated and supported major bills, including a $1.1 billion capital bill for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), $32 million in fee increases to support the Department of Natural Resources, and measures dealing with hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and medical marijuana.

During his tenure as Secretary of IDOT, Mr. Hannig helped pass a $3 billion capital bill focused solely on transportation, Illinois’ first significant capital bill in ten years. He followed that accomplishment with enactment of a more comprehensive $31 billion capital bill, of which $21 billion flowed through IDOT.

From January 1979 to February 2009, Mr. Hannig was the State Representative for Illinois 98th District. In 1995, he became Assistant Democratic Leader in the House, and for the final five years of his service in the General Assembly, he was the Deputy Majority Leader. He was the point person for his caucus on budgets, pensions, and procurement issues. During his tenure in the House, Mr. Hannig was a member of the powerful House Rules Committee, and chaired the Appropriations Committee. He was the budget negotiator for the House Democrats from 1995–2009.

Prior to his service in Illinois state government, Mr. Hannig worked as a Certified Public Accountant.

Publications, Honors and Service

During his long legislative and executive branch career, Mr. Hannig received numerous awards and recognitions from organizations spanning many industries and professions, including the Federal Highway Administration, Illinois Education Association, Illinois Farm Bureau, Lincoln Land Community College, Illinois Primary Healthcare Association, and Illinois Retired Teachers Association.

Sean Howard

Blue Island, Illinois

Mr. Howard is the President and Chief Executive Officer of STHMedia, a boutique minority-owned media and communications consulting company established to meet the evolving needs of local Illinois communities by developing partnerships with their political infrastructures. Mr. Howard is a prominent communications authority for many of Illinois communities in the Chicagoland area, especially south side neighborhoods and south suburbs of Chicago. Mr. Howard has transformed the voice of the African American community and its leadership figures through thought leadership, political impact, church and community advocacy, and economic development that has reshaped media and communications in the State of Illinois.

Mr. Howard is motivated by the many opportunities to improve community outcomes by inspiring strengthened relationships with church, community, civic and governmental leaders and their constituents. His career path continues to be guided by his vision to be at the helm of change and to ensure a more equitable and values-driven process in managing governmental and community relations.

Education

Mr. Howard attended Knoxville College.

Previous Experience

Mr. Howard’s more than 25 years of experience as a spokesman and his work collaborating with State of Illinois, City of Chicago, Cook County and various local governments has gained national prominence for his successful leadership in bridging the gap in communications and leveraging negotiations for governmental agencies, spiritual communities, community advocacy groups, and governmental policymakers by helping them to navigate through some of the most complex civic, social and community challenges.

Publications, Honors and Service

2022 Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Honoree
2023 Martin Luther King Publicist of the Year Honoree
2024 White House Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree

Sara Jimenez

Springfield, Illinois

Ms. Jimenez owns KIND Consulting, LLC. Established in 2021 and located in Springfield, KIND serves both public and private sector clients with government relations, community engagement and communications services. Ms. Jimenez has a wealth of experience as a communications professional in government, health care, and local television news markets, and has served her community as an elected park board member and state representative. Ms. Jimenez works to create and implement strategies and creative solutions that result in strong reputations and increased visibility for her clients.

Education

Ms. Jimenez graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a B.A. in Mass Communications and from University of Illinois Springfield with a master’s degree in Public Affairs Reporting.

Previous Experience

Ms. Jimenez worked as a reporter, anchor and producer at various news stations in the central Illinois and St. Louis markets, before beginning a distinguished career in public service.

Ms. Jimenez’s public service roles included:

• Deputy Press Secretary for the Illinois State Treasurer
• Director of Information Management and Press Secretary in the House of Representatives
• Director of Intergovernmental Affairs & Program Communications for the Illinois State Comptroller
• Chief of Staff for the Illinois’ Governor’s Office of the First Lady
• Illinois State Representative of the 99th District (2015-2019)

Publications, Honors and Service

MacArthur Boulevard Association board member (2024-present)
Edgar Fellow (participant in 2017, selection committee 2019 -present)
Capitol Historic Preservation Board member (2019-present)
Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association board member (2016-present)
Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award 2021
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce board member (2019-2020)
Jaycees Outstanding Young Persons of IL (2017)
Illinois State Representative, 99th District (2015-2019)
Springfield Park District Board Trustee (2011-2015)
July 2013 Business Journal “40 Under 40” recognition
Speaker or emcee for various community groups including, but not limited to: Springfield Leadership Group, SIU Youth in Government Day, Pregnancy Care
Center Spring Fundraiser, Lincoln’s Challenge Academy Graduation ceremony
Illinois Community Action Association-Master of Ceremonies for Family of Distinction Awards
Banquet (2006, 2007,2008, 2009, 2010)
FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni Board Past President
Young Adults Mass co-founder in Springfield (2008)

Ryan Keith

Lincoln, Illinois

Mr. Keith created RK PR Solutions in 2012, the culmination of a very accomplished communications career that began with 10 years as a Statehouse reporter and editor. Mr. Keith provides hands-on communications and media consulting spanning many sectors, including: education, healthcare, transportation, gaming, energy, and state and local government (policy issues and elected officials). Services provided by RK PR Solutions include:

• Arranging news conferences, interviews and educational discussions with reporters, editors, editorial boards and talk shows
• Executing branding and marketing campaigns
• Connecting with policymakers at the Capitol to mobilize supporters through communications tools and meetings
• Handling all forms of media interactions, including proactive pitching, placements, and responsive and crisis strategic communications
• Providing top-quality photography, video and design work to best meet client needs
• Creating and improving the online presence of clients to grow their audience and respond effectively to their critics and opponents
• Delivering award-winning writing for press releases, issue fact sheets, talking points, speeches, and online and traditional marketing content.

Education

Mr. Keith obtained degrees from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and University of Illinois-Springfield.

Previous Experience

Mr. Keith began his career with ten years as a Statehouse reporter and editor

Willam F. Moran, III

Springfield, Illinois

Mr. Moran is Managing Partner of Stratton, Moran, Reichert & Sronce. Mr. Moran is a top attorney in the area of administrative law, including the representation of lawyers before the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission and other professionals before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Mr. Moran also practices in the areas of business transactions and litigation, civil litigation, appeals, real estate, family law, and general practice.

Education

Mr. Moran graduated from Southern Illinois University (B.S., l 982; J.D., 1985).

Bar/Court Admissions

• Illinois Bar
• U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
• U.S. Supreme Court

Previous Experience

Mr. Moran served as a law clerk, counsel, and senior counsel for the Administrator of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (1983-1994).

Publications, Honors and Service

Recent cases include:

• Peel v. ARDC, 496 U.S. 91 (1990)
• In re liimmel, 125111.2d 531,533 N.E.2d 790 (1988)
• In re Cheronis, I L4 Ill.2d 527,502 N.E.2d 722 (1986)
• In re Lewis, 151 B.R. 200 (C.D. Ill. 1992)
• 1-foward v. City of Springfield, 274F.3d 1141 (7th Cir. 2001)
• Erlenbush v. Largent, 353 lll.App.3d 949, 819 N.E.2d 1186 (4th Dist. 2004)
• In re Cutright, 233 Ill.2d 474,910 N.E.2d 581 (2009)
• Marriage of Abrell, 236 Ill.2d 249, 923 N.E.2d 791 (2010)
• Marriage of Mueller, 2015 IL 117876, 34 N.E.3d 538
• Adams County Property Owners & Tenant Farmers v. ICC, 2015 IL App ( 4t.h) 130907, 36 N.E.3d 1019 (2015)
• Medponics Illinois, LLC v. Department of Agriculture and Curative Health Cultivation, LLC, 2021 IL 125443.

Dan Lawler

South Bend, Indiana

Owner of Lawler Law Office, Lawler has more than 30 years’ experience in advising and representing hospitals, health systems and other healthcare providers before regulatory agencies and in related litigation, including matters involving the Illinois Certificate of Need (CON) process. He also has significant experience with dispute resolution and business litigation on the provider side in matters involving managed care contracts. Mr. Lawler has represented national healthcare corporations in connection with large-scale acquisitions of healthcare facilities that require change of ownership approval from the CON Board.

In his representation of providers and other regulated entities, Lawler has advised on licensing and compliance proceedings before the Illinois Department of Public Health, in Medicaid audit and recoupment actions by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and in compliance actions under the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act.

Education

Mr. Lawler graduated from Purdue University, (B.S.), 1977 and Southern Illinois University School of Law, (J.D.), 1981, and was editor of SIU Law Journal.

Bar/Court Admissions

• Illinois Bar
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
• U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Previous Experience

Lawler has represented hospitals in numerous multimillion dollar disputes involving non-payment, under-payment and slow payment by insurers under their managed care contracts. He has also represented hospitals in reimbursement claims against insurers following the insolvency of several IPAs. On behalf of five hospital clients, Dan received the largest monetary judgment to date against the Illinois HMO Guaranty Association following the insolvency of an HMO.

Publications, Honors and Service

Mr. Lawler authored the chapter on “Establishment, Modernization, Acquisition and Discontinuation of Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities” in the Health Law volume of Illinois Jurisprudence.

Chris Townsend

Antioch, Illinois

Mr. Townsend has over two decades of experience representing forward-thinking energy market participants, both individually and in coalitions, develop, defend and improve the structures for effective and efficient competition in the energy markets. Townsend regularly provides guidance to entities other than the local utilities, including advising large industrial, institutional and commercial energy users, municipalities and other governmental entities with energy-related issues; assisting alternative electricity and natural gas suppliers in developing the structures for energy markets; representing energy project developers on complex and cutting-edge projects; and assisting numerous other large-scale energy industry participants. On a local, state, national, and international level, Mr. Townsend helps clients address risks and opportunities associated with the on-going restructuring of the electricity and natural gas industries.

Mr. Townsend views the energy industry in terms of where it is headed, in order to advise his clients on how to prepare for the future. Townsend’s approach is holistic, looking beyond the immediate demands of a given document or goal to the entire solution that each client needs. Townsend is well-known for finding innovative solutions for his clients, particularly with respect to infrastructure projects and multi-faceted administrative proceedings. Mr. Townsend is creative but practical, imaginative but grounded, and also personally dedicated to delivering a level of outstanding client service that few other attorneys in his area of practice provide.

Education

Mr. Townsend graduated from Augustana (B.A., cum laude) and University of Iowa College of Law (J.D. with honors)

Bar/Court Admissions

• Illinois Bar
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Previous Experience

Townsend has been involved in a wide variety of regulatory proceedings before the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and numerous legislative efforts before the Illinois General Assembly, specifically with an emphasis on matters related to bringing additional efficiencies to the energy industries.

He also has served as counsel to several consortia composed of large industrial, institutional, governmental and commercial electricity consumers as well as retail energy suppliers, a public water district, and a small privately owned water company. Globally, he worked with the U.S. State Department and counseled the Government of Iraq on multibillion dollar energy and infrastructure projects.

Publications, Honors and Service

Mr. Townsend has received the following honors:

• Chambers-USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business – Energy & Natural Resources: Regulatory – Top-tier 2020 (cited in multiple years)
• Three-time recipient of Lexology Client Choice Award (Illinois: Energy & Natural Resources 2015 – 2017)
• Illinois Super Lawyers (cited in multiple years)
• The Best Lawyers in Chicago® (cited in multiple years)
• The Best Lawyers in America® – Energy Law, 2008 – present
• Corporate Counsel magazine Top Lawyer
• Illinois Leading Lawyers – 2020 (cited in multiple years)

Mr. Townsend has also published articles in the Illinois Manufacturer Magazine and InsideCounsel.