Garry Guan was born in Harbin, China. He came to the United States in 1987 for school, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Garry is a professional interpreter and translator, and a small business owner.

He came to Georgia in 1992 and since then has been a passionate volunteer and leader with multiple non-profits and professional organizations , including the Partnership for Community Action, National Families in Action, and the Rotary Club of North Atlanta.

Garry is married to Paulina Guan, and they have two children. The Guan family attends Norcross First United Methodist Church.