Feeney has been a director at the Sharon company.

In announcing the appointment over the weekend, Protected said Leonard S. Miller, who is planning retirement, will remain as president.

Feeney is best known for his tenure at Wheatland Tube Co. where he served as senior vice president until retiring last year. He has served on a number of local boards over the years, including chairman of Penn-Northwest Development Corp. He continues to be chairman of Sharon Regional Health System.

Employing about 45 locally, Protected was founded in 1886 and is among the oldest local companies. Protected specializes in individual whole life insurance policies which are sold through 630 agents throughout the United States.