SAGINAW, Mich. — The CEO of Family First Credit Union has apologized for posting an AI-generated image on her personal Facebook page that appeared to show her and family members wearing “Lake America” sweatshirts before traveling to Canada, while the credit union’s board said it is determining what steps to take in response.
The image posted by CEO Jane Smith attracted attention online after appearing to show Smith and members of her family wearing the sweatshirts before boarding a flight for what was described as a trip to Halifax, Canada, according to WJRT/ABC12,
Smith, CEO of the $96.7-million Family First Credit Union, told ABC12 the image did not depict what the family was actually wearing. She said the family had taken a photograph at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and then used ChatGPT to create an altered version showing them in “Lake America” sweatshirts.
“Last week, when traveling with my family we decided to take a photo in the Detroit airport and used ChatGPT to generate an image to show what we would look like if we were all wearing ‘Lake America’ sweatshirts,” Smith said in a statement to ABC12.
Smith said she subsequently posted the AI-generated image to her personal Facebook account.
‘Insensitive and Disasteful’
“It was insensitive, distasteful, and in poor judgment,” Smith said. “It should never should have been created or shared. Though the image did not depict a real event, I understand that the image was hurtful and offensive.”
The “Lake America” wording has political implications amid U.S.-Canada tensions. President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested Canada should become part of the United States and has referred to the U.S.-Canada border as an “artificially drawn line.”
Before receiving Smith’s statement, ABC12 spoke with Family First customer Zachary McDaniel outside the credit union.
“I do not agree with that,” McDaniel told the television station. “We should stay up out of that, and just let it be what it be, you know?”
McDaniel said he does not like seeing leaders make political statements without consulting or engaging with their communities.
“Honestly it made me feel like people do what they want to do instead of getting other people involved,” McDaniel said.
‘I Made a Mistake’
Smith acknowledged the criticism and said she accepted responsibility for the effect of her post.
“I made a mistake,” Smith said. “I own that mistake, and I am committed to learning from it. Moving forward, I will continue striving to serve my community, our members, and our employees with integrity, respect, and accountability.”
Family First Credit Union’s board of directors issued a separate statement to ABC12 strongly distancing the institution from Smith’s post and said it is considering what action to take.
“Family First Credit Union unequivocally disapproves and rejects the content of the social media post involving our CEO, Jane Smith,” the board said.
The board noted that Smith made the post in a personal capacity and in connection with a family vacation, rather than as a representative of the credit union.
‘The Post is Unacceptable’
“Although the post involved Ms. Smith in her personal capacity in connection with a family vacation, the post is unacceptable,” the board said. “Ms. Smith’s conduct does not reflect the values, mission, or culture of Family First Credit Union. We support and respect our Canadian neighbors, and we completely disavow Ms. Smith’s actions, which were undertaken without the authorization or knowledge of the Credit Union.”
According to ABC12, board members said they were determining the appropriate next steps involving Smith.
The board said the credit union remains focused on serving its members and community and expects its employees and executives to meet high standards of conduct.
“Family First Credit Union is built on a foundation of community, integrity, and respect,” the board said. “We hold all of our employees, particularly our executive leadership, to the highest ethical and professional standards. Ms. Smith’s conduct in this matter does not align with those standards and expectations.”
Smith also issued a broader apology to those offended by the image.
“I want to sincerely apologize to everyone,” Smith said. “I never intended to insult, mock, or harm anyone, but I recognize that my intent does not erase the impact. I take full responsibility for creating and sharing the image.”
11 Responses
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The backlash to the FB post was instant and both Smith and her sister immediately shut down their social media pages — she has been sitting on this for a week, but only decides she “regrets” it once the American media picks it up. The only regret this MAGA supporter has is the regret that she could lose her job over this. She wasn’t on vacation as she claims, she was attending a credit union management conference at St. Mary’s University in Halifax. She did this on her company’s dime. No wonder she suddenly has regrets.
Unemployed sounds good.
It’s been confirmed, both by the CEO and the conference host, that she wasn’t attending the conference in Halifax.
She just happed to go to Halifax on vacation while a conference in her field was being held? Doesn’t pass the smell test.
The company seriously try to make us believe they care? They still kept her and didn’t do anything except say they don’t approve. What a joke… Racist enterprise that should shut down
Canada and Canadian companies are the source of MANY of your jobs, directly or indirectly. This type of behaviour is why we are looking for alternative countries to do business with and send your job there. Think about that. This is more than a behaviour problem. It goes to the root of American tourist ignorance and arrogance when visiting another country. It stopped being funny a long time ago.
Time to realize that the rest of the world is sick and tired of it.
fire her!!!!!!
If I were a member of this Family Firs Credit Union I would be worried that such a juvenile and unserious person is overseeing my money. I would definitely be moving my cash to the serious credit union across the road.
I hope the board realizes that not firing her puts it on them. If I was a member I would close my account.
Trump will hire her to replace Scott Kenneth Homer Bessent. One idiot to the next.