Family First Apologizes After CEO’s Exit Amid ‘Lake America’ Controversy
By CU Today Staff —
SAGINAW, Mich.—Family First Credit Union has apologized for the “concern, disappointment and pain” surrounding the controversy that preceded CEO Jane Smith's departure, while acknowledging there are differing views over the credit union's decision.
The statement, posted by Family First on Facebook and subsequently reported by Nova Scotia-based Your South Shore, provides additional detail following a CUToday.info report Wednesday that Smith is no longer employed by the $96.8-million credit union.
“We sincerely apologize for the concern, disappointment and pain this situation has caused our members and community,” Family First said. “We understand that members of our community may hold different perspectives about this decision. Our responsibility is to act in the best interest of the Credit Union, uphold the trust of our members and continue putting our community first.”
Family First still has not said whether Smith resigned or was terminated or explicitly identified the AI-altered “Lake America” photo as the reason her employment ended. Your South Shore reported that Smith had previously apologized for the post, which appeared to show Smith and three family members wearing matching “Lake America” sweatshirts before traveling to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Smith has said the family never actually wore the shirts and that the image was altered with AI as a joke.
As CUToday.info previously reported, Smith told WJRT that the backlash included death threats and prompted her family to cut short its planned 10-day Canadian vacation. Family First said Chief Operating Officer Jason Acosta is now serving as interim CEO.
Originally reported by CU Today.