Former CEO of Family First Credit Union Departs After Controversial Lake America Sweatshirt Post
Quick Look
Jane Smith, former CEO of Michigan-based Family First Credit Union, departed the company days after posting an AI-edited family photo wearing 'Lake America' sweatshirts, a reference to Trump's renaming of Lake Ontario that sparked backlash in Canada; the company stated she left effective immediately, with COO Jason Acosta as interim CEO, while Smith said the post was not intended as a political statement but acknowledged poking fun at the lake renaming.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
U.S. President Donald Trump declared the renaming of Lake Ontario on the U.S.-Canadian border to 'Lake America,' prompting backlash from Canadians, Prime Minister Mark Carney, and the animated show South Park, which renamed itself 'South America' in response.
The former CEO of U.S.-based credit union Family First is no longer with the company, days after she posted an allegedly AI-edited family photo of her family with "Lake America" sweatshirts.
On Wednesday, a statement posted to the company's website revealed that Jane Smith was no longer with Family First "effective immediately," with chief operations officer Jason Acosta serving as interim CEO. It was signed by Maurice Patterson, chairman of the Family First Credit Union board, and Acosta.
Family First did not state that if the reaction was the reason for Smith leaving, even though the company posted on Thursday that "we sincerely apologize for the concern, disappointment and pain this situation has caused our members and community."
Family First is based in Michigan, a state that borders Canada.
Smith on Sept. 11 had posted the photo on Facebook with the caption: "Like our sweatshirts? Not sure Canada will. Lol lol"
The post has since been deleted from Facebook, CBC News reported.
U.S. President Donald Trump declared the renaming of Lake Ontario on the U.S.-Canadian border to "Lake America" last month, prompting massive backlash from Canadians, Prime Minister Mark Carney, and even animated comedy South Park, which changed its name to "South America" in a jab at the U.S. President's order.
In an interview on Sept. 17 with ABC12 News in Michigan, Smith said that the picture contained an AI marker, but was later reposted by her sister without the AI marker.
"We weren't trying to make a political statement," Smith reportedly said. "However, we were, you know, kind of poking fun at the fact that you know one of the Great Lakes' names were getting changed."
In an earlier statement to ABC12 News, Family First had said it "unequivocally disapproves and rejects the content of the social media post involving our CEO, Jane Smith."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Family First Credit Union will appoint a permanent CEO within the next few weeks
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Whether Jane Smith's departure was directly caused by the social media post
- Whether the AI-edited photo violated any company policies
- If Family First will appoint a permanent CEO soon
