Max has a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from the Georgia Tech, a master’s degree in business information systems from Georgia State University, and a Ph.D. in business administration from Georgia State University. He lives with his wife, Lora. They attend Jackson Baptist Church in Sylvania.

Max is retired. He used to be a senior policy advisor at Thelen Reid & Priest, LLC. He was the president of Gordon State College for five years. He used to be dean of the college of business at the University of North Georgia, Dahlonega.

Max Burns is currently the state senator representing district 23. He was first elected in 2020 and has been in office for one term. He used to be a state representative for district 108.