Dr. Max McGee assumed his duties as the second President of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy on July 1, 2007. Prior to becoming IMSA’s President, Dr. McGee served as Superintendent of Wilmette School District 39 in Wilmette, IL. He also previously served as Senior Research Associate at Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies, State Superintendent of Education in Illinois, and as a superintendent, principal and teacher in several settings. He is a past chairman and current member of the board of the Golden Apple Foundation. He also serves on the board of the Illinois Association of Gifted Children and the Great Books Foundation. He is a member of the Governor's P-20 Council, the Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois Board and the Museum of Science and Industry's Advisory Council.

Dr. McGee is a frequent presenter at state and national professional conferences, has published several articles and coauthored two books, most recently The Perfect School. Dr. McGee's published research on high-achieving, high-poverty schools that have closed the achievement gap has garnered state and national attention for identifying how schools and communities can help all students succeed. His mission is to make an enduring difference in the lives of all children and to share his passionate commitment and support with Illinois' educational leaders.

Dr. McGee earned a B.A. in Political Science from Dartmouth College, M.A. in Educational Administration from The University of Chicago, and Ph.D. in Educational Administration from The University of Chicago.