Family First CEO leaves after AI-altered "Lake America" image goes viral

  • Family First Credit Union ended Jane Smith’s employment after backlash over a Facebook image.
  • $96.8 million-asset Family First named COO Jason Acosta interim CEO.
  • Smith shared the image on September 11 during a trip to Halifax, Canada.

Family First Credit Union, a Saginaw, Michigan-based institution with $96.8 million in assets, said Jane Smith was no longer employed as its chief executive after an AI-altered family image triggered backlash in Canada. The image showed Smith and relatives wearing sweaters bearing the words "Lake America," a name President Donald Trump ordered U.S. federal agencies to use for Lake Ontario in late August. Smith shared the image on Facebook on Sept. 11, the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, with a caption suggesting Canada might object. The post was later deleted after criticism, including references to Halifax’s role in receiving stranded travelers after U.S. airspace closed in 2001. Smith apologized and said the post reflected poor judgment rather than an attempt to make a political statement. Family First apologized to members and the community and named chief operations officer Jason Acosta interim CEO.

The information on this website is generated using AI and we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Please use it as reference information only.