NBC has named Sara Haines a contributing correspondent for the Today show.

Haines began reporting for TODAYshow.com in August 2008, conducting interviews for the vlog, "Backstage Pass." She also appears during the fourth hour of the Today show as an online correspondent.

Haines joined Today in 2002 after leaving NBC's Page Program.

Click continued to see NBC's release...

Sara Haines has been named Contributing Correspondent for NBC News' "Today," America's number one morning television program. The announcement was made by Jim Bell, "Today" Executive Producer, and is effective immediately.

Haines began online reporting in August 2008 as host of TODAYshow.com's popular entertainment video blog, Backstage Pass. She interviewed countless celebrity entertainers, actors and musicians for the vlog, and gave viewers a behind-the-scenes insider look at the "Today" show. Haines currently appears on the fourth hour of "Today" alongside hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb covering fan updates and interacting with viewers via Facebook and Twitter.

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, Massachusetts where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Government. Haines is a native of Newton, Iowa where she grew up with her parents and three siblings. She currently resides in New York City.