Joseph J. Mikelonis, currently assistant controller and director--taxes, was elected vice president--taxes by Eaton's Board of Directors at its meeting yesterday. He will assume his new position May 1, 1996, and will report to Ronald L. Leach, vice president--accounting.

In his new position, Mikelonis will continue to have responsibility for the management of Eaton's worldwide tax liabilities, but will place greater emphasis on integrating and developing tax strategies to support Eaton's growth initiative. He will also become a member of Eaton's management committee.

Mikelonis joined Eaton as director--taxes in 1987. Prior to that, he served in a similar capacity with Unilever United States, Inc., and was director--international taxes for Rockwell International Corporation. He also served as a tax manager for Deloitte Haskins and Sells.

Mikelonis holds a bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University and is a certified public accountant. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Tax Executives Institute and the Tax Council of the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation.