About Sara Haines

Sara Haines is a Contributing Correspondent for NBC News' TODAY, a position she has held since May 2009. Haines appears daily on the fourth hour of TODAY alongside hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb covering fan updates and interacting with viewers via Facebook, Twitter and KLGandHoda.com.

Haines began online reporting in August 2008 as host of TODAYshow.com's popular entertainment video blog, Backstage Pass. She has interviewed countless celebrity entertainers, actors and musicians for the vlog, and given viewers a behind-the-scenes insider look at the TODAY Show.

Haines joined TODAY in 2002 as a production coordinator. In this role, Haines oversaw the day-to-day coordination for the production staff as well as the broadcast logistics at Rockefeller Center in New York City and on remote broadcast sites. Prior to joining NBC News, Haines was a member of NBC's elite Page Program.

Haines graduated from Smith College in Northampton, Mass., where she received a Bachelor of Arts in government. She is a native of Newton, Iowa where she grew up with her parents and three siblings. She currently resides in New York City.

Q&A

You’re been involved in sports most of your life. 
How do you make time for workouts/sports with your hectic schedule?

It is always difficult and sometimes it isn't the hectic schedule, but more just finding the energy/motivation when your body just wants to sit down and veg out. I try to (and continue to everyday) look at exercise as a priority equal to taking medicine or having an appointment that you can't cancel without a fee.  When it is optional, and I can just roll over and hit snooze or skip it, odds are that I will do just that.  I am human though, so there are often days/nights where I could justify my way out of anything in my own head.  It is about making it a priority and doing it for your health, not your physique.

Who is the most important woman in your life? Why?

It may seem cliché, but I have to go with my mom. Everyday that I get older, I better understand what goes into each role that she plays as a mother, a wife, a nurse, etc.  My appreciation runs deeper knowing what type of person it takes to accomplish (and I chose that word carefully) a marriage of 42 years (and going strong,) raise 4 kids, maintain a career, and decorate a center piece like Martha Stewart.  I never took it for granted, but I never truly understood just how tough even one of these would be.  My life is very different from my mom's.  And not different in a better or worse way, but just different.  I wouldn't have any of it without her and I try everyday to be as confident, resilient, and loving as she has been in her own journey (...and the center piece is SOOOO not happening.  I missed those genes.)

If you weren’t doing what you do now professionally what might you be doing?

I would love to be a teacher.  I always wanted a career that paid you to continue growing and learning.  What better way then to teach?  As you continue to stay in touch with what is going on, each day brings you the challenges of a classroom.  I love the idea of being there for someone's "aha" moments and hopefully helping them to get there.

What’s the best thing about appearing on the Today show?

The best thing about appearing on the Today show is a tie between the people and the show's willingness to try new things.  I have worked at the show for 9 years now.  The people here are a 2nd family (although they see me more than my actual family does.)  This means that they go through the ups and downs with you on a daily basis.  I have grown up here, so I don't know if this is how it is everywhere, but I like to think that I am part of a special team where the only thing that overshadows the elite skill sets (hey, it's the Today show, I still pinch myself) is the people behind them.  Secondly, I would have to say that I am constantly surprised at the show's willingness to take an idea from anyone/anywhere and give it a shot.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but either way, the show goes on...

Just about everyone has to make tough choices between their personal life and their career at some point.  Have you had to make a tough choice?  What did you have to do/give up? Would you do it again?

I had to make a tough choice when deciding to work in TV.  I came from Iowa and it is not a television hub by any means.  So, I knew I would be leaving my family.  It has been really tough at times.  As nephews and nieces are born, I am not always there for the fun milestones.  And as my parents get older, I constantly think about what it would be like to live closer.  As tough as it is, yes, I would do it again.  I found my dream job here.  I recognize that a job is a pay check that supports the real stuff outside of the office/studio, but there are a lot of days/moments in between when you can't put a price tag on being able to do what you love and get paid for it.

If you could send yourself a tweet back through time, what message would you send to yourself on high school graduation day, in 140 characters or less?

If you work hard and aim for being better everyday, everything will work out, so breathe and enjoy the ride.