Michigan credit-union chief leaves job after AI-made 'Lake America' photo sparks outrage

Jane Smith, chief executive of Family First Credit Union in Saginaw, Michigan, is no longer with the institution after an AI-altered photo of her family wearing “Lake America” sweatshirts went viral, sparking anger in Canada.

In a letter to members, the credit union said Smith “is no longer an employee” and named COO Jason Acosta interim chief executive. It did not say whether she resigned or was dismissed, nor whether the photo caused her departure.

Smith told WJRT-TV in Michigan that on 11 September she photographed herself and three family members, then used ChatGPT to make it appear they were wearing “Lake America” sweatshirts. She posted it to her private Facebook page with an AI-content label, but her sister reposted it publicly with the caption “Like our sweatshirts? Not sure Canada will. Lol lol.”

The family were starting a 10-day trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia when talk turned to US President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America” amid a US–Canada trade war.

“I never intended to insult, mock or harm anyone, but I recognize that my intent does not erase the impact,” Smith said in a statement on 16 September. She said she had received death threats and the family returned to the US early.

Family First called the post “unacceptable” and “completely disavow[ed]” Smith’s actions, adding: “We sincerely apologize for the concern, disappointment and pain this situation has caused our members and community.”

Sources: The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/25/michigan-ceo-loses-job-lake-america-photo — Banking Dive, https://www.bankingdive.com/news/michigan-credit-union-ceo-leaves-after-blowback-lake-america-ai-facebook-post-family-first/831396/ — New York Post, https://nypost.com/2026/09/25/business/family-first-credit-union-ceo-out-after-lake-america-ai-photo/