Family First Credit Union CEO departs after ‘Lake America’ post
publishers 16articles 19first reported 25 Sep, 02:16 UTCdeveloping since 25 Sep · 5 editions
Jane Smith is no longer employed as CEO of Michigan-based Family First Credit Union following controversy over an AI-generated image showing her family wearing “Lake America” sweatshirts.
A statement posted on the credit union’s website said Smith had left “effective immediately.” Chief Operations Officer Jason Acosta is serving as interim CEO. The statement, signed by Acosta and board chairman Maurice Patterson, did not say whether the reaction to Smith’s social media post caused her departure.
Smith shared the image on Facebook on Sept. 11 with a caption saying, “Like our sweatshirts? Not sure Canada will. Lol lol.” The post was later deleted. She initially told ABC12 News that the family was not trying to make a political statement but was “kind of poking fun” at the renaming of one of the Great Lakes.
Smith subsequently apologized, calling the image “insensitive, distasteful, and in poor judgment.” She said it did not depict a real event and acknowledged that it was hurtful and offensive.
Family First said it “unequivocally disapproves and rejects” the post and stated that Smith’s conduct did not reflect the credit union’s values or its respect for Canadians. The controversy followed President Donald Trump’s Aug. 27 executive order directing U.S. agencies to refer to Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” a move that drew criticism in Canada and the United States.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 2 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written within the hour the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 16
- Source articles
- 19
- Given to the writer
- 8, 2 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- within the hour the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
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