Jane Smith is no longer the CEO of Family First Credit Union, according to a statement from the Saginaw, Michigan-based organization, following an artificial intelligence-altered social media post depicting her family wearing “Lake America” sweatshirts ahead of a trip to Canada. The credit union announced that Smith’s departure was effective immediately and named Chief Operating Officer Jason Acosta as interim CEO, as reported by Michigan television station WJRT and covered by CUToday.info.
Credit Union Leadership Change and Apology
Family First Credit Union addressed the controversy in a letter to members, stating that Smith is no longer an employee of the $96.8-million institution. The credit union stated it sincerely apologized for the concern, disappointment, and pain the situation caused members and the community. The board stated that its responsibility is to act in the best interest of the credit union, uphold member trust, and continue putting the community first. Neither the credit union nor reporting outlets specified whether Smith resigned or was terminated.
The Viral AI Image and Social Media Backlash
The controversy began when Smith and three family members were at the Detroit airport en route to Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a 10-day vacation, according to interviews Smith gave to WJRT. While traveling near Canada, the group discussed President Donald Trump’s recent executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America. Smith told WJRT that the group photographed themselves at a departure gate, and she subsequently used ChatGPT to edit the sweaters in the image to read “Lake America.”
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Smith stated she initially posted the image to her private Facebook page with an indicator identifying it as AI-generated. However, according to Smith’s statements cited by CUToday.info, her sister captured a screenshot, added the caption “Like our sweatshirts? Not sure Canada will. Lol lol,” and reposted it publicly without the AI marker. The post quickly went viral on Facebook and Instagram, drawing sharp criticism from Canadian users who found the timing particularly insensitive. Commenters noted the post coincided with the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks—a day when Halifax historically welcomed thousands of airline passengers diverted after U.S. airspace closed.
Apology and Public Response
Amid intense online backlash, including death threats that prompted Smith’s family to cut their trip short, Smith apologized for the post. “We weren’t trying to make a political statement,” Smith told WJRT, explaining that the group was attempting to poke fun at the federal renaming of the Great Lake. “I understand if I was someone in Halifax and I thought a poor group of people walked in wearing those sweatshirts, it is highly offensive and I would understand why they would be so angry.”
The executive order itself sparked widespread pushback outside the credit union. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on social media that the body of water’s name originates from the Indigenous Wendat people and predates both the Canadian Confederation and U.S. independence, writing that Canadians know the reality of calling it Lake Ontario “then, now and always.” Several U.S. governors in the Great Lakes region similarly dismissed the name change.
Did you know? Under U.S. executive orders, federal agencies were directed to refer to Lake Ontario as Lake America starting in late August, though the order carries no legal authority over Canadian waters, international mapmakers, or foreign governments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new head of Family First Credit Union?
Chief Operating Officer Jason Acosta was named interim CEO following Jane Smith’s departure, according to WJRT.
Why did the social media post cause offense in Canada?
Canadian users criticized the AI-altered “Lake America” image as disrespectful, noting the post was published on the anniversary of September 11, a date carrying strong ties to Canadian hospitality in Halifax.
Did Smith and her family actually wear the sweatshirts?
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