The East-West Center has launched an international search to replace its longtime president, Charles E. Morrison, who will be retiring in August.

“Charles has done a great job as president,” Richard Turbin, chairman of the center’s board of governors, said Friday. “The East-West Center is in tremendous shape. … I say he’s leaving while he’s on top of his game.”

The board is seeking candidates from the Asia-Pacific region and the United States who have a passion for the center’s mission, a commitment to public servvice and a track record of securing funding from public and private sources. It is looking for an inspirational leader who can develop creative programs to “meet the needs and aspirations of new generations,” according to an announcement.

The East-West Center was established by Congress in 1960 to promote better relations and understanding among Asian and Pacific nations and the United States through research, collaborative study and multicultural dialogue.

“There’s been a great emphasis on leadership seminars that bring together up-and-coming politicians, government officials throughout Asia and the Pacific, leaders in journalism, leaders in education, leaders in business,” Turbin said.

Morrison became the center’s president in 1998 and is credited with expanding its programs and reach, and helping to rebuild its finances after devastating federal budget cuts that sliced its congressional appropriation from $24 million in 1995 to $10 million in 1997.

“He’s traveled so far and wide throughout Asia and the Pacific and done a very good job fundraising and securing major grants from major Asian and Pacific nations to help support our programs,” Turbin said.

In 2014, the center brought in $34 million in revenue, including: $16.7 million in congressional appropriations; $12.7 million in private, foundation and foreign government funding; and $5 million in federal grants and contracts, according to center spokesman Derek Ferrar.

When Morrison became president, total revenues were $16.6 million, and just a quarter of those funds came from sources other than Congress. Today, those other sources account for more than half of the center’s revenues.

The institution buzzes with activity, including speeches by government ministers, conferences, research on economics, politics and climate, as well as arts exhibits. It sponsors exchange programs for students and professionals, and initiatives to promote justice and reconciliation in places such as Cambodia.

“Nobody knows how many conflicts the East-West Center has helped prevent — we’ll never know — but I’m sure it has,” Turbin said. “There’s been six major presidents and prime ministers of major Asian and Pacific nations who are East-West Center alumni, not counting the number of ministers or Cabinet officers and other important people.”

He added that the center has given rise to important cultural institutions in the islands.

“We tend to forget that the Hawaii Film Festival and the Polynesian Voyaging Society were all basically born out of the East-West Center,” Turbin said.

Morrison, 72, announced his intent to retire a year in advance. Turbin said he expects many outstanding applicants.

To obtain the position description or to suggest a nominee, contact Derek Wilkinson, managing partner of Boyden, the global executive search firm, at dwilkinson@boyden.com, or call 877-226-9336, toll free, or 202-536-5168.